Smithfield in Johnston County, North Carolina — The American South (South Atlantic)
Sherman Receives News of Lee's Surrender in Smithfield
Johnston County Courthouse
| | 1843 - 1921 | |
Photographed by Devry Becker Jones (CC0), January 15, 2026
1. Sherman Receives News of Lee's Surrender in Smithfield Marker
In the early morning hours of April 12, 1865, two Union officers arrived here and delivered a telegram from General Ulysses S. Grant to General William T. Sherman, who was quartered in the Old Johnston County Courthouse, which stood on this site (depicted above). After reading the telegram, General Sherman issued the following dispatch to his army:
"The general commanding announces to the army that he has official notice from General Grant that General Lee surrendered to him his entire army on the 9th. inst., at Appomattox Court House, Virginia."
Upon receiving this news, "tumultuous cheering" erupted and bands played, as Sherman's army celebrated the news of Lee's surrender in Smithfield before resuming its march on Raleigh in the final days of the Civil War.
Erected 1996 by Johnston County.
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 12, 1865.
Location. 35° 30.688′ N, 78° 20.821′ W. Marker is in Smithfield, North Carolina, in Johnston
this page online
Regionally, this marker is in North Carolina’s Piedmont. It is also in the American South and specifically in the Upper South. Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region, North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture, one of the original Thirteen Colonies, one of the Confederate States of America, and the Antebellum South.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Veterans Memorial (a few steps from this marker); Johnston County Fountain Memorial (a few steps from this marker); World War II and Korean Conflict Memorial (a few steps from this marker); Johnston County War Memorial (a few steps from this marker); Honor Roll (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named Occupation of Smithfield (within shouting distance of this marker); Downtown Smithfield Historic District (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Smithfield Four (about 500 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Smithfield.
Another marker is no longer nearby. Occupation of Smithfield (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been replaced with another marker now near it).
Photographed by Bernard Fisher, March 8, 2010
2. Sherman Receives News of Lee's Surrender in Smithfield Marker
This is a photo of the marker before it was painted in the current colors.
Photographed by Bernard Fisher, March 8, 2010
3. Sherman Receives News of Lee's Surrender in Smithfield Marker at the Johnston County Courthouse
Credits. This page was last revised on January 19, 2026. It was originally submitted on March 12, 2010, by Bernard Fisher of Richmond, Virginia. This page has been viewed 2,482 times since then and 75 times this year. Last updated on May 9, 2023, by Michael Buckner of Durham, North Carolina. Photos: 1. submitted on January 15, 2026, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. 2, 3. submitted on March 12, 2010, by Bernard Fisher of Richmond, Virginia. • J. Makali Bruton was the editor who published this page.
