Appomattox Court House National Historical Park

Tour the village where the U.S. Civil War ended. All of the red-brick buildings are original and restored to their original condition. They served as the backdrop to the final battle of the war, putting an end to four years of one of the most traumatic times in American history. See the desk where Gen. Robert E. Lee surrendered to Gen. Ulysses S. Grant. Tour the grounds and surrounding fields where Confederate and Union soldiers fought until they couldn't fight anymore.

A self-guided walking tour shows you what happened in Appomattox. The interpretive signs take you back to April 1865, when desperate Confederate soldiers were trying to prevent the Union from winning. Commanders on both sides knew that the conflict wouldn't last for much longer. The South was running out of supplies, men and willpower. Troops from North had invaded Virginia, and Confederate troops couldn't hold out against an overwhelming force.

During the summer, Rangers and volunteers in period costume give interpretive talks about what happened before, during and after the battle at Appomattox Court House. The Junior Ranger Program gives kids a way to interact with the site.

Nearby campsites offer beautiful scenery 20 minutes from Lynchburg, the nearest large city to Appomattox. Summer and fall are the best times to visit, thanks to great weather, on-site activities, and festivals in the area. The surrounding hills are great for day hikes from your base camp.