Appomattox in Appomattox County, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
Uncovering History
| | Appomattox Court House National Historical Park | |
Photographed by Evan Dwyer, December 20, 2025
1. Uncovering History Marker
From 1941 o 1942, a segregated African American Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) company cleared the overgrowth and conducted archaeological excavations of the site in preparation for rebuilding the McLean House.
Despite initial opposition from some local White leaders to Company 1351, the foundation of the McLean House was excavated, unearthing the original kitchen hearth, the well, and numerous artifacts.
Using these discoveries, along with photographs and plans drawn prior to the house's disassembly, the National Park Service reconstructed the McLean House in 1948.
(cptions)
The workers sent to Appomattox, CCC Company 1351, were African American World War I veterans, including some hailing from the highly decorated 369th Infantry, known as the "Harlem Hellfighters," shown here in 1919. Image: National Archives NAID: 26431282
Background Image: NPS APCO 11440-06 1314
Erected by National
this page online
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Anthropology & Archaeology • Charity & Public Work • War, US Civil. A significant historical year for this entry is 1941.
Location. 37° 22.644′ N, 78° 47.832′ W. Marker is in Appomattox, Virginia, in Appomattox County. It can be reached from the intersection of Richmond-Lynchburg Stage Road and National Park Drive, on the left when traveling west. Marker is within Appomattox Court House National Historic Park, accessible by walking the old Richmond-Lynchburg Stage Road. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 111 National Park Drive, Appomattox VA 24522, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in the Piedmont and in Central Virginia. It is also in the American South and specifically in the Upper South. Globally, it is in 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
Photographed by Evan Dwyer, December 20, 2025
2. Replica McLean House
Built on the original foundation as described in the marker, the house incorporates roughly 5,500 bricks salvaged from the original house's deconstructed materials. These re-used bricks primarily are incorporated into this side of the house's exterior wall. Original house bricks that were not suitable for use in the reconstruction were re-purposed and laid as part of the brick walkway; note the obvious difference on the ground between the mid-20th century brickwork at lower right, and the deteriorated early 19th century bricks closer to the stairs (and at far left leading to the replica ice house). As a reference point, the nearby 1840s Courthouse (also rebuilt) had some 70,000 bricks salvaged from its walls after it burned, out of an estimated 100,000+ bricks required to build the structure. Though the brick count on the original Raine's Tavern/McLean House is not documented in park signage, a similar quantity of brick would put the reconstructed McLean House at about 5% original.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: McLean House (here, next to this marker); Lafayette W. Meeks (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Anticipating Freedom (about 400 feet away); The Isbell House (about 400 feet away); Clover Hill Tavern (about 400 feet away); Clover Hill Tavern Slave Quarters (about 400 feet away); Appomattox Court House (about 500 feet away); Tibbs Lane (about 600 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Appomattox.
Other markers no longer nearby. The McLean House (was here, next to this marker but has been replaced with another marker now near it); April 1865 (was about 500 feet away but has been permanently removed); County Jail (was about 500 feet away but has been confirmed missing).
Also see . . . Appomattox Court House National Historical Park. National Park Service (Submitted on January 19, 2026.)
Photographed by Evan Dwyer, December 20, 2025
3. McLean House Site Excavation
This image, from the display within the reconstructed McLean House Kitchen in the house's backyard, shows the excavated foundation during the work described by the marker. Note the basement's winter kitchen hearth.
Photographed by Evan Dwyer, December 20, 2025
4. Original Kitchen Hearth
Uncovered as part of the site archaeological investigation and mentioned specifically in the marker, the hearth shown here in the basement of the reconstructed McLean House is virtually the only truly original feature of the house visible to the visitor.
Credits. This page was last revised on January 19, 2026. It was originally submitted on January 15, 2026, by Evan Dwyer of Richmond, Virginia. This page has been viewed 57 times since then. Photos: 1. submitted on January 15, 2026, by Evan Dwyer of Richmond, Virginia. 2, 3, 4. submitted on January 16, 2026, by Evan Dwyer of Richmond, Virginia. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.
