Farmville in Prince Edward County, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
Farmville
Brief Respite
— Lee’s Retreat —
Here in Farmville that evening, Gen. Ulysses S. Grant wrote a letter to Gen. Robert E. Lee suggesting surrender: The results of the last week must convince you of the hopelessness of further resistance on the part of the Army of Northern Virginia in this struggle. I feel that it is so, and regard it as my duty to shift from myself the responsibility of any further effusion of blood by asking of you the surrender of that portion of the C.S. Army known as the Army of Northern Virginia.
Lee, who received the letter at Cumberland Church, showed it to Gen. James Longstreet. He handed it back to Lee and said, ”Not yet.”
Erected by Virginia Civil War Trails.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: War, US Civil. In addition, it is included in the Former U.S. Presidents: #18 Ulysses S. Grant series list. A significant historical date for this entry is April 7, 1912.
Location. 37° 18.366′ N, 78° 23.47′ W. Marker is in Farmville, Virginia, in Prince Edward County. Marker is on North Main Street (Virginia Route 45), on the right when traveling south. Marker is at the west end of the parking lot Green Front Furniture on North Main Street. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Farmville VA 23901, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. A different marker also named Farmville (here, next to this marker); The Crallé Family (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); Rich in History (about 600 feet away); High Bridge Trail (about 600 feet away); Site of the Randolph House (approx. 0.2 miles away); Cumberland County / Prince Edward County (approx. 0.2 miles away); Bizarre (approx. 0.2 miles away); The Light of Reconciliation / Now, Therefore Be It Resolved, (approx. 0.3 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Farmville.
More about this marker. Portraits of Gen. Robert Lee and Gen. Ulysses Grant appear on the top of the marker. A map showing Confederate and Union troop positions around Farmville in relation to the marker is found on the right of the marker.
Also see . . .
1. Lee's Retreat to Appomattox. Virginia Civil War Trails. (Submitted on September 27, 2008, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey.)
2. Lee's Retreat. Virginia's Retreat guide. (Submitted on September 27, 2008, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey.)
Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on September 27, 2008, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey. This page has been viewed 1,521 times since then and 26 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on September 27, 2008, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey.