Richmond-Lynchburg Stage Road

This view looks down along the historic trace of the Richmond-Lynchburg Stage Road. Coming up out of the Appomattox River Valley in the background, the last veterans of the Army of Northern Virginia marched up this hill and toward the village to surrender their flags and arms in the days after Generals Grant and Lee met in the McLean House on April 9, 1865. Right around this spot, not only did the commanding figures meet for a short and second time on horseback (on April 10) to further discuss the terms and negotiations, but Confederate General John B. Gordon was surprised by a formal salute of arms from Union General Joshua L. Chamberlain and his troops (April 12). Throughout these days, over 28,000 parole passes were printed for Lee's soldiers.