1	Appomattox Campaign - April 2-9, 1865 It is the last days of the Confederacy as Lee’s Army of Northern Virginia tries desperately to link up with Johnston’s Army. Grant’s Union forces are in hot pursuit as he tries to cut off the retreat. A brief historical perspective on the American Civil War with battlefield pictures taken during visits in the Fall of 2005.
2	The Appomattox Campaign Union forces under Lt. Gen. Ulysses S. Grant had besieged Lee's army around the city of Petersburg, Virginia, since June 1864. The two armies spent the winter in an elaborate series of trenches, stretching almost 35 miles. During the winter Grant moved to the west and the Confederates were forced to extend their lines. The Confederate lines were stretched too thin and only had 1,000 men per mile. Lee knew that his army could not survive a siege indefinitely and looked for ways to escape his predicament as spring arrived. The Appomattox Campaign consists of two parts: The Capture of Petersburg and Evacuation of Richmond (March 31-April 2)- Battle of Lewis's Farm, Battle of White Oak Road, Battle of Dinwiddie Court House, Battle of Five Forks, Third Battle of Petersburg, and the Battle of Sutherland's Station. Lee’s Retreat (April 3- April 9) - Battle of Namozine Church, Battle of Amelia Springs, Battle of Sayler's Creek, Battle of Rice's Station, Battle of Cumberland Church, Battle of High Bridge, Battle of Appomattox Station, and Battle of Appomattox Court House
3	Lewis’s Farm - March 29, 1865 Principal Commanders: Maj. Gen. G.K. Warren and Maj. Gen. Bushrod R. Johnson Forces Engaged: Corps Estimated Casualties: 850 total (US 380; CS 370) Description: On March 29, in the opening moves of Grant’s spring offensive, Sheridan marched with the army’s cavalry followed by the V Corps toward Dinwiddie Court House to turn the right flank of Lee’s Petersburg defenses. The Union V Corps under Maj. Gen. G.K. Warren crossed Rowanty Creek, moved up the Quaker Road toward the Boydton Plank Road intersection, and encountered Johnson's Confederate brigades. A sharp firefight forced the Confederates back to their entrenchments on the White Oak Road. Result: Union victory
4	White Oak Road - March 31, 1865 Principal Commanders: Maj. Gen. G.K. Warren and Gen. Robert E. Lee and Lt. Gen. Richard H. Anderson Forces Engaged: Corps Estimated Casualties: 2,670 (US 1,870; CS 800) Description: On March 30, Lee shifted reinforcements to meet the Federal movement to turn his right flank, placing Maj. Gen. W.H. Fitzhugh Lee’s cavalry divisions at Five Forks and transferring Pickett’s division from the Bermuda Hundred front to the right. Warren pushed the V Corps forward and entrenched a line to cover the Boydton Plank Road and Ayres’ division advanced northwest toward White Oak Road. On March 31, in combination with Sheridan’s thrust via Dinwiddie Court House, Warren directed his corps against the Confederate entrenchments along White Oak Road, hoping to cut Lee’s communications with Pickett at Five Forks. The Union advance was stalled by a counterattack directed by Maj. Gen. Bushrod Johnson, but Warren’s position stabilized and his soldiers reached the road. This fighting set up the Confederate defeat at Five Forks on April 1. Result: Union gained ground
5	Dinwiddie Court House - March 31, 1865 [1] Principal Commanders: Maj. Gen. Philip Sheridan and Maj. Gen. George Pickett and Maj. Gen. Fitzhugh Lee Forces Engaged: 65,277 total (US 45,247; CS 20,030) Estimated Casualties: 821 total Description: On March 29, with the Cavalry Corps and the II and V Corps, Sheridan undertook a flank march to turn Gen. Robert E. Lee’s Petersburg defenses. A steady downpour turned the roads to mud, slowing the advance.
6	Dinwiddie Court House - March 31, 1865 [2] Description (Continued): On March 31, Maj. Gen. W.H. Fitzhugh Lee’s cavalry and Pickett’s infantry division met the Union vanguard north and northwest of Dinwiddie Court House and drove it back, temporarily stalling Sheridan’s movement. With Union infantry approaching from the east, Pickett withdrew before daybreak to entrench at the vital road junction at Five Forks. Lee ordered Pickett to hold this intersection at all hazard. Result: Confederate victory
7	Dinwiddie Court House - March 31, 1865 [3]
8	Five Forks - April 1, 1865 [1] Principal Commanders: Maj. Gen. Philip Sheridan and Maj. Gen. George Pickett Forces Engaged: Corps Estimated Casualties: 3,780 total (US 830; CS 2,950) Description: Lee ordered Pickett to hold the vital crossroads of Five Forks. On April 1, while Sheridan’s cavalry pinned the Confederate force in position, the V Corps under Maj. Gen. G.K. Warren attacked and overwhelmed the Confederate left flank, taking many prisoners.
9	Five Forks - April 1, 1865 [2] Description (Continued): Sheridan personally directed the attack, which extended Lee’s Petersburg lines to the breaking point. Loss of Five Forks threatened Lee’s last supply line, the South Side Railroad. The next morning, Lee informed Jefferson Davis that Petersburg and Richmond must be evacuated. Result: Union victory
10	Richmond and Petersburg Abandoned After the Confederate defeat at the Battle of Five Forks, Lee informs Jefferson Davis that Richmond and Petersburg can no longer be defended. Lee’s plan is move his army west along the Appomattox River, re-supply the troops and move south to unite with Joseph Johnston’s army in North Carolina. Grant senses the end is near and plans to pursue Lee’s forces and destroy them before they can join with Johnston.
11	Lee’s Retreat
12	Petersburg is Evacuated
13	[2] Petersburg - April 2, 1865 Principal Commanders: Lt. Gen. Ulysses S. Grant and Gen. Robert E. Lee Forces Engaged: Armies Estimated Casualties: 7,750 total (US 3,500; CS 4,250) Description: With Confederate defeat at Five Forks on April 1, Grant and Meade ordered a general assault against the Petersburg lines by II, IX, VI and XXIV Corps on April 2. A heroic defense of Fort Gregg by a handful of Confederates prevented the Federals from entering the city that night. Lt. Gen. A.P. Hill was killed trying to reach his troops in the confusion. After dark, Lee ordered the evacuation of Petersburg and Richmond. Grant had achieved one of the major military objectives of the war: the capture of Petersburg, which led to the fall of Richmond, the Capitol of the Confederacy. Result: Union victory
14	Confederate Retreat Begins
15	[3] Sutherland’s Station - April 2, 1865 Principal Commanders: Maj. Gen. Nelson A. Miles and Maj. Gen. Henry Heth and Maj. Gen. Cadmus Wilcox Forces Engaged: Divisions Estimated Casualties: 970 total (US 370; CS 600) Description: Union columns converged on Petersburg on April 2. part Mile's force struck north from White Oak Road meeting elements of four Confederate brigades (Cooke, Scales, MacRae, McGowan) attempting to defend the South Side Railroad. The Confederates placed their left flank on Ocran Methodist Church, where it was overrun by three Union brigades commanded by Miles. The Confederate defenders were scattered and driven northwestward. With this victory, the Federals possessed the South Side Railroad, Lee's last supply line into Petersburg. Result: Union victory
16	[3] Namozine Church - April 3, 1865 Principal Commanders: Maj. Gen. George A. Custer and Maj. Gen. Fitzhugh Lee Forces Engaged: Brigades Estimated Casualties: 75 total Description: In a rearguard cavalry action a brigade of Union cavalry under Col. William Well's (Custer's Division) attacked Fitzhugh Lee's cavalry near Namozine Church. Result: Inconclusive
17	Lee’s Plan to Join Forces
18	[7] Amelia Springs - April 5-6, 1865 [1] Principal Commanders: Maj. Gen. George Crook and Maj. Gen. Rosser and Maj. Gen. Fitzhugh Lee Forces Engaged: Divisions Estimated Casualties: 250 total Description: On April 5, Confederate cavalry under Fitzhugh Lee and Rosser assaulted Union cavalry under George Crook as they returned from burning Confederate wagons at Painesville. This running fight started north of Amelia Springs and pushed through and beyond Jetersville. Result: Inconclusive
19	[7] Amelia Springs – April 5-6, 1865 [2]
20	Grant Tightens the Noose
21	[10] Hillsman House – April 6, 1865 [1]
22	[10] Hillsman House – April 6, 1865 [2]
23	[10] Hillsman House – April 6, 1865 [3]
24	[10-11] Sailor’s Creek - April 6, 1865 [1] Principal Commanders: Maj. Gen. Philip Sheridan and Lt. Gen. Richard Ewell and Maj. Gen. John B. Gordon Forces Engaged: Corps Estimated Casualties: 9,980 total Description: At Sailor’s Creek, nearly one fourth of the retreating Confederate army was cut off by Sheridan’s Cavalry and elements of the II and VI Corps. This action was considered the death knell of the Confederate army. Upon seeing the survivors streaming along the road, Lee exclaimed “My God, has the army dissolved?” Result: Union victory
25	[10-11] Sailor’s Creek - April 6, 1865 [2]
26	[10-11] Sailor’s Creek - April 6, 1865 [3]
27	[10-11] Sailor’s Creek - April 6, 1865 [4]
28	[10-11] Sailor’s Creek - April 6, 1865 [5]
29	[12] Lockett House – April 6, 1865 [1]
30	[12] Lockett House – April 6, 1865 [2]
31	[14] Rice’s Depot - April 6, 1865 Principal Commanders: Maj. Gen. John Gibbon and Lt. Gen. James Longstreet Forces Engaged: Corps Estimated Casualties: Few Description: On April 6, Longstreet’s command reached Rice’s Station, its farthest point south, where it was blocked by Union XXIV Corps. After some skirmishing, Longstreet withdrew over the High Bridge during the night toward Farmville. Result: Union victory
32	Confederates Fail at High Bridge
33	[15 & 18] High Bridge - April 6-7, 1865 [1] Principal Commanders: April 6: Col. T. Read and Maj. Gen. Thomas Rosser April 7: Maj. Gen. A.A. Humphreys and Maj. Gen. William Mahone Forces Engaged: Divisions Estimated Casualties: 1,200 total (US 800 captured) Description: On April 6th, the Confederate cavalry fought stubbornly to secure the Appomattox River bridges. On April 7th, elements of the II Corps came up against Longstreet’s rear guard attempting to fire the High Bridge and wagon bridge. Union forces were able to save the wagon bridge. This allowed the II Corps to cross in pursuit of Lee’s army. Failure to destroy this bridge enabled Union forces to catch up with the Confederates at Farmville. Result: Inconclusive
34	[15 & 18] High Bridge - April 6-7, 1865 [2]
35	Lee’s Last Stand
36	[17] Cumberland Church - April 7, 1865 Principal Commanders: Maj. Gen. A. A. Humphreys and Gen. Robert E. Lee Forces Engaged: Corps Estimated Casualties: 910 total (US 655; CS 255) Description: Near 2 pm on April 7th, the advance of the Union II Corps encountered Confederate forces entrenched on high ground near Cumberland Church. Union forces attacked twice but were repulsed, and darkness halted the conflict. Result: Confederate victory
37
38	Appomattox Station - April 8, 1865 Principal Commanders: Maj. Gen. George A. Custer and Brig. Gen. Lindsay Walker Forces Engaged: Divisions Estimated Casualties: Unknown Description: Custer’s division captured a supply train and twenty-five guns, driving off and scattering the Confederate defenders. Custer captured and burned three trains loaded with provisions for Lee’s army. Result: Union victory
39	Appomattox Court House – April 9, 1865 Principal Commanders: Lt. Gen. Ulysses S. Grant and Gen. Robert E. Lee Forces Engaged: Armies Estimated Casualties: 700 total (27,805 Confederate soldiers paroled) Description: Early on April 9, the remnants of John Broun Gordon’s corps and Fitzhugh Lee’s cavalry formed line of battle at Appomattox Court House. Lee determined to make one last attempt to escape the closing Union pincers and reach his supplies at Lynchburg. At dawn the Confederates advanced, initially gaining ground against Sheridan’s cavalry. The arrival of Union infantry, however, stopped the advance in its tracks. Lee’s army was now surrounded on three sides. Lee surrendered to Grant on April 9. Result(s): Union victory
40	Appomattox Court House
41	Lee’s Surrender [1]
42	Lee’s Surrender [2]
43	Officer’s Present
44	Desks Used in Surrender
45	The Surrender
46	The McLean House [1]
47	The McLean House [2]
48	The McLean House [3]
49	The McLean House [3]
50	The McLean House [4]
51	The McLean House [5]
52	Slave Quarters
53	Farewell to the Army of Northern Virginia “After four years of arduous service, marked by unsurpassed courage and fortitude, the Army of Northern Virginia has been compelled to yield to overwhelming numbers and resources. I need not tell the survivors of so many hard-fought battles who have remained steadfast to the last that I have consented to this result from no distrust of them; but feeling that valor and devotion could accomplish nothing that could compensate for the loss that would have attended the continuance of the contest, I determined to avoid the useless sacrifice of those whose past services have endeared them to their countrymen. By the terms of the agreement, officers and men can return to their homes and remain until exchanged. You may take with you the satisfaction that proceeds from the consciousness of duty faithfully performed, and I earnestly pray that a merciful God will extend to you his blessing and protection. With an unceasing admiration of your constancy and devotion to your country, and a grateful remembrance of your kind and generous consideration of myself, I bid you all an affectionate farewell.” ---------- Robert E. Lee
54	Casualties
55	Battlefield Resources Site Information Appomattox Court House National Historic Park Books Chamberlain, Joshua L., The Passing of Armies: An Account of the Final Campaign of the Army of the Potomac, Bantam reprint, 1992. Freeman, Douglas S., R. E. Lee, A Biography (4 volumes), Scribners, 1934. Grant, Ulysses S., Personal Memoirs of U. S. Grant, Charles L. Webster & Company, 1885–86. Korn, Jerry, and the Editors of Time-Life Books, Pursuit to Appomattox: The Last Battles, Time-Life Books, 1987. Salmon, John S., The Official Virginia Civil War Battlefield Guide, Stackpole Books, 2001. Websites Appomattox Campaign - Wikipedia Third Battle of Petersburg - Wikipedia Battle of Five Forks - Wikipedia