Vera in Appomattox County, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)

Lee’s Rear Guard

Final Blow

— Lee’s Retreat —

Lee’s Rear Guard Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Bill Coughlin, April 26, 2007

1. Lee’s Rear Guard Marker

Inscription. You are standing where Gen. James Longstreet’s corps entrenched early in the morning of April 9, 1865, to protect the rear of the Army of Northern Virginia. Gen. Robert E. Lee and most of the army bivouacked about four miles south, just short of Appomattox Court House, the county seat. Here, looking down the Confederate picket line, you can see remnants of Longstreet’s earthworks, the last built in the field by the army that had become renowned for its quick and effective construction.

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 Virginia Civil War Trails series list. A significant historical date for this entry is April 9, 1790.

Location. 37° 25.008′ N, 78° 45.638′ W. Marker is in Vera, Virginia, in Appomattox County. Marker is on Howe Flood Highway (State Highway 24), on the left when traveling south. Marker is four miles north of Appomattox Court House National Historical Park. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Appomattox VA 24522, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 3 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. A different marker also named Lee's Rear Guard (here, next to this marker); Thomas S. Bocock (approx. 0.4 miles away); ANV Headquarters

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(approx. 2.1 miles away); Lee’s Last Headquarters (approx. 2.1 miles away); Confederates Trapped (approx. 2.1 miles away); Historic Vegetation (approx. 2.2 miles away); Lee's Apple Tree (approx. 2.7 miles away); Artillery Park (approx. 2.8 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Vera.

More about this marker. The marker features a photo of Gen. James Longstreet on the upper left, and a battle map on the lower left, with the caption Rear guard position of the armies on the morning of April 9. Appomattox Court House is four miles south. The right of the marker has a painting with the caption New Hope Baptist Church with Confederate trenches shown as right. Painting by George L. Frankenstein.

Also see . . .
1. Lee's Retreat to Appomattox. Civil War Traveler guide to the retreat. (Submitted on March 8, 2008, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey.)

2. Lee's Retreat. Virginia's Retreat guide. (Submitted on March 8, 2008, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey.)

Lee’s Rear Guard Markers image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Bill Coughlin, April 26, 2007

2. Lee’s Rear Guard Markers

Confederate earthworks image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Bill Coughlin, April 26, 2007

3. Confederate earthworks

These earthworks were dug by Longstreet's men to protect Lee's Army of Northern Virginia. They were the last ones made in Virginia during the Civil War.

Lee’s Rear Guard Battle Map image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Bill Coughlin, April 26, 2007

4. Lee’s Rear Guard Battle Map

Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on March 8, 2008, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey. This page has been viewed 1,515 times since then and 20 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on March 8, 2008, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey. • Craig Swain was the editor who published this page.