Near Appomattox in Appomattox County, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
Message of Peace
Photographed by Bill Coughlin, April 26, 2007
1. "Message of Peace" Marker
This marker is located at the site of Grant's Headquarters in Appomattox Court House National Historical Park.
Amidst the small gathering of tents here, General Grant spent his last night in the field. The next day he departed for Washington, D.C., leaving details of the Confederate surrender to a group of military commissioners. The defeat of Lees army had required eleven months of constant toil, bloodshed, and death. But the job was done; Grant left Appomattox Court House a national hero.
Erected by Appomattox Court House National Historical Park, National Park Service, Dept. of the Interior.
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.
Location. 37° 22.39′ N, 78° 49.014′ W.
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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 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: Grants Pursuit (a few steps from this marker); Battle of Appomattox Station (a few steps from this marker); U.S. Colored Troops At Appomattox (within shouting distance of this marker); Shattered Home (about 600 feet away, measured in a direct
Photographed by Bill Coughlin, April 26, 2007
2. Grant's Headquarters Site
The field near the "Message of Peace" marker was where Lt. Gen. Ulysses S. Grant made his headquarters while in Appomattox Court House.
More about this marker. The background of the marker is a picture of Grant writing the “Message of Peace” while one staff member looks on and another is summoning a courier.
At the bottom left of the marker is a picture of the message with the caption The “Message of Peace” included no exultation, no gloating. Its straightforward approach typified the manner of its author – the architect of victory – Ulysses S. Grant.
Also see . . . Appomattox Court House National Historical Park. (Submitted on March 2, 2008, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey.)
Photographed by Bill Coughlin, April 26, 2007
3. Grant's Headquarters
Site where Grant informed the country of Lee's surrender.
Photographed by Bill Coughlin, April 26, 2007
4. "Message of Peace"
This picture of Grant's "Message of Peace" is on the lower left of the marker.
Photographed by Bill Coughlin, April 26, 2007
5. Wilbur McLean House
This house was the site of the meeting between Gen. U.S. Grant and Gen. R.E. Lee. Here Grant accepted Lee's surrender of the Army of Northern Virginia.
Photographed by Bill Coughlin, April 26, 2007
6. Grant's desk in the McLean House
Gen. Ulysses S. Grant signed the surrender documents on this table.
Photographed by Bill Coughlin, April 26, 2007
7. Lee's desk in McLean House
On this table, Gen. Robert E. Lee signed the surrender of his Army of Northern Virginia.
Photographed by Bradley Owen, October 16, 2017
8. Grant's Headquarters Wayside
The National Park Service has updated the sign at this location.
Credits. This page was last revised on March 25, 2021. It was originally submitted on March 2, 2008, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey. This page has been viewed 2,187 times since then and 36 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7. submitted on March 2, 2008, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey. 8. submitted on March 25, 2021, by Bradley Owen of Morgantown, West Virginia. • Craig Swain was the editor who published this page.
