Old Appomattox Court House facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Old Appomattox Court House
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U.S. Historic district
Contributing property |
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Federal soldiers at old "court house" in April 1865
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 Location in Virginia
Location in the United States
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| Location | Appomattox County, Virginia |
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| Nearest city | Appomattox, Virginia |
| Built | 1846 |
| Visitation | 242,742 (average 2010-2019) |
| Part of | Appomattox Court House National Historical Park (ID66000827) |
| Added to NRHP | October 15, 1966 |
The Old Appomattox Court House is a historic building. It is located inside the Appomattox Court House National Historical Park. In the 1800s, this building gave its name to the nearby village. That village was called Appomattox Court House.
A very important event happened nearby in 1865. On April 9, General Robert E. Lee surrendered his army. He gave up to General Ulysses S. Grant at the McLean House. This event helped end the American Civil War. The war fully ended when the Shenandoah surrendered later that year.
The National Park Service officially added the court house to its records. This happened on June 26, 1989. You can find it on Virginia State Route 24. It is about three miles (5 km) northeast of the town of Appomattox. A "new" court house is located in the town of Appomattox today.
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What is the Old Appomattox Court House?
The original "Old" Appomattox Court House was the first main government building for Appomattox County, Virginia. It was built in 1846. This was one year after Appomattox County was created. The area was then known as Clover Hill, Virginia.
This court house was the second public building built in the county. It stood in the middle of the village. A large green area surrounded it. The Richmond-Lynchburg stage road also ran nearby. The first building made was a wooden county jail in 1845. The original court house was built across from the Clover Hill Tavern. This first court house building burned down in 1892. A second court house was built in 1892. This newer building is near the Appomattox Station in the town of Appomattox.
What is the Reconstructed Building Used For?
The "Old" Appomattox Court House you see today is a rebuilt version. It was reconstructed in 1963 and 1964. Now, it serves as the visitor center for the Appomattox Court House National Historical Park.
- The first floor has the information desk.
- The second floor holds a museum and an auditorium.
- You can watch a video about General Lee's surrender to Lieutenant General Grant.
- Displays include Civil War weapons and many historical photographs.
Why is the Old Appomattox Court House Important?
The original county court house building itself did not play a direct role in the surrender. The surrender happened on Palm Sunday, so the court was closed. The actual surrender took place at the McLean House.
However, the National Park Service says the Old Appomattox Court House is very important. It is important because it is part of this historic site. Federal law created the Appomattox Court House National Historical Park. This building helps show how the government works to save and remember important events. It helps us remember the end of the American Civil War.
What Does the Rebuilt Court House Look Like?
The rebuilt Old Appomattox Court House is a two-story building. It is made of brick. The main entrance is on the second floor. There are also porches on the east and west sides of the second floor. The building has decorative newel posts and balusters.
The main doors have four panels. They are next to tall windows with 12 panes each. The building is about 50 feet (15 m) wide and 40 feet (12 m) deep. It has three sections. The roof is flat with a slight slope. It is supported by wood trusses.
The lower level has a brick-paved area under the second-floor porch. It has brick steps and iron railings. This lower level has a similar layout. It has a smaller four-panel door. This door is next to windows with 8 panes each. The ends of the building have two chimneys. They are next to windows on both floors. All the windows on the "court house" have shutters.
