Vera in Appomattox County, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
Lee's Rear Guard
Lee's Retreat
Photographed by Bill Coughlin, April 26, 2007
1. Lees Rear Guard on Lee's Retreat Trail
Lee's Retreat is a driving tour following General Robert E. Lee's route from Petersburg to Appomattox.
General Longstreet built breastworks here to protect the rear of Lee's army at Appomattox Court House. On the morning of April 9, General Lee arrived hoping to meet General Grant. After learning that he was approaching from another route, Lee rode back to the village.
Next Stop
Battle of Appomattox Station
7 miles
Erected by Virginia's Retreat.
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 month for this entry is April 1814.
Location. Marker has been reported permanently removed. It was located near 37° 25.008′ N, 78° 45.638′ W. Marker was in Vera, Virginia, in Appomattox County. It was on Howe Flood Highway (State Highway 24), on the left when traveling south. Touch for map. Marker was in this post office area: Appomattox VA 24522, United States of America.
We have been informed that this marker is no longer there and will not be replaced. This page is an archival view of what was.
Regionally, this marker was in the Piedmont and in Central Virginia. It was also in the American South and specifically in the Upper South. Globally, it was in the North Atlantic Region, North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it found 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 3 miles of this location, measured as the crow flies: A different marker also named Lees Rear Guard (here, next to this marker);
this page online
More about this marker. Below the main text of the marker is a map of the retreat showing important stops along the route.
Regarding Lee's Rear Guard. Part of a driving tour following General Robert E. Lee's route from Petersburg to Appomattox. While visiting the site a more detailed description is played on short range radio on AM1610. Or call 1-800-6-retreat.
Also see . . .
1. Lee's Retreat to Appomattox. Civil War Traveler guide to the retreat. (Submitted on March 9, 2008, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey.)
2. Lee's Retreat. From Virginia's Retreat. (Submitted on March 9, 2008, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey.)
Photographed by Bill Coughlin, April 26, 2007
2. Lees Rear Guard Markers
Two markers for Lees Rear Guard are at this location.
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.
Photographed by Bill Coughlin, April 26, 2007
4. Lee's Headquarters at Appomattox Court House
The Army of Northern Virginia was camped in this location when Gen. Longstreet set up him men to act as a rear guard.
Credits. This page was last revised on December 15, 2025. It was originally submitted on March 9, 2008, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey. This page has been viewed 1,499 times since then and 40 times this year. Last updated on December 15, 2025, by Evan Dwyer of Richmond, Virginia. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on March 9, 2008, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.
