Fighting to the End

Fighting to the End. "We Gave Them a Hearty Cheer". , You are facing the historic Richmond-Lynchburg Stage Road. On the afternoon of April 8, 1865, hundreds of Confederate vehicles, including baggage wagons, ambulances and artillery pieces, were parked in a long column in front of you. The soldiers had stopped briefly to rest and cook rations on their way west to Lynchburg. At nearby Appomattox Station, to your right, several trains carrying sorely needed supplies for the Confederate army idled on the tracks., Pandemonium soon erupted., Union cavalry dashed into the station, capturing most of the trains and eventually breaking through a hastily positioned line of Confederate artillery. The long line of men and vehicles broke, scattering in three directions. Union troopers now controlled the Stage Road., The next morning, Confederate infantry advanced toward this position from your left and swept back the Union cavalry opening the road. Just then, having marched more than 30 miles the previous day, eight Union brigades including two of the United States Colored Troops arrived in your front and formed a line of battle., They slammed headlong into the Confederate line just to your left beyond the wood line. Penned in on three sides, Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee surrendered., We gave them a hearty cheer which brought forth a quick response that seemed to infuse new life for a moment in the poor footsore weary fellows." , Roger Hannaford, 2nd Ohio Cavalry described cheering on the United States Colored Troops, (captions) , Sergeant John Peck of the 8th USCT fought at Appomattox Court House. Courtesy Ron Rittenhouse Collection, General Robert E. Lee wore this sword on April 9, 1865, to surrender negotiations at Appomattox. Come inside to learn more. Courtesy American Civil War Museum