Near Appomattox in Appomattox County, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
Salute of Arms
Photographed by Bill Coughlin, April 26, 2007
1. "Salute of Arms" Marker
Union Gen. Chamberlain orders his troops to salute the Confederate troops.
A surprised Maj. Gen. John B. Gordon instantly ordered his men to return the salute. Until now, the drama at Appomattox had been played out by major figures. But here was a profound expression of respect by the armies common soldiers. They, more than anyone else, would blaze the path to reconciliation in the years that followed.
Erected by Appomattox Court House National Historical Park, National Park Service, Dept. of the Interior.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: War, US Civil. A significant historical month for this entry is April 1862.
Location. 37° 22.729′ N, 78° 47.542′ W. Marker is near Appomattox, Virginia, in Appomattox County. It is on Richmond-Lynchburg Stage Road, on the right when
this page online
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 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: Grant and Lee Meeting (here, next to this marker); Lee and Grant Meet (a few steps from this marker); Last Artillery Shots (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); Final Combat (about 500 feet away); The Surrender Ceremony (about 600 feet away); The Kelley Family (about 600
Photographed by Bill Coughlin, April 26, 2007
2. "Salute of Arms" and other markers.
The "Salute of Arms" marker is located near the spot where Generals Lee and Grant met on April 10, 1865, after the surrender.
Another marker is no longer nearby. County Jail (was approx. 0.2 miles away but has been confirmed missing).
More about this marker. The background of the marker features a picture of Confederate Gen. John Gordon and Union Gen. Chamberlain, along with their respective armies.
“It was a scene worthy of a pilgrimage.” Brig. Gen. Joshua L. Chamberlain, USA
Also see . . .
1. Appomattox Court House National Historical Park. (Submitted on March 2, 2008, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey.)
2. Salute of Honor by Mort Kunstler. The Civil War Siege of Petersburg. (Submitted on December 21, 2008, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey.)
Photographed by Bill Coughlin, April 26, 2007
3. This way to the Chamberlain - Gordon Salute site
The way to the "Salute to Arms" marker is clearly marked by the Appomattox Court House National Historical Park.
Photographed by Bradley Owen, October 16, 2017
4. “Salute of Arms” Location
According to National Park Ranger staff, the "Salute of Arms" site is believed to be here, just east of the marker location.
Credits. This page was last revised on March 28, 2021. It was originally submitted on March 2, 2008, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey. This page has been viewed 4,066 times since then and 121 times this year. Last updated on March 4, 2008, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on March 2, 2008, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey. 4. submitted on March 27, 2021, by Bradley Owen of Morgantown, West Virginia. • Craig Swain was the editor who published this page.
