Smithfield in Johnston County, North Carolina — The American South (South Atlantic)

Sherman Receives News of Lee's Surrender in Smithfield

Photographed By Bernard Fisher, March 8, 2010

1. Sherman Receives News of Lee's Surrender in Smithfield Marker

Inscription. In the early morning hours of April 12, 1865, two Union officers arrived here and delivered a telegram from General Ulysses S. Grant to General William T. Sherman, who was quartered in the Old Johnston County Courthouse, which stood on this site (depicted above). After reading the telegram, General Sherman issued the following dispatch to his army:

"The general commanding announces to the army that he has official notice from General Grant that General Lee surrendered to him his entire army on the 9th. inst., at Appomattox Court House, Virginia."

Upon receiving this news, "tumultuous cheering" erupted and bands played, as Sherman's army celebrated the news of Lee's surrender in Smithfield before resuming its march on Raleigh in the final days of the Civil War.

Erected in the 250th Year of the County of Johnston

Erected 1996 by Johnston County.

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 date for this entry is April 12, 1865.

Location. 35° 30.688′ N, 78° 20.821′ W. Marker is in Smithfield, North Carolina, in Johnston County. Marker is at the intersection of

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East Market Street (Business U.S. 70) and South 2nd Street, on the right when traveling east on East Market Street. This marker is located in front of the Johnston County Courthouse. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 220 E Market St, Smithfield NC 27577, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Occupation of Smithfield (within shouting distance of this marker); Edward W. Pou (about 700 feet away, measured in a direct line); Hastings House (approx. 0.2 miles away); Town of Smithfield (approx. 0.2 miles away); a different marker also named The Town of Smithfield (approx. 0.2 miles away); Freedmen’s School, 1868 (approx. ¼ mile away); Ava Gardner (approx. 0.8 miles away); Sherman’s March (approx. 0.8 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Smithfield.

Sherman Receives News of Lee's Surrender in Smithfield Marker at the Johnston County Courthouse image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Bernard Fisher, March 8, 2010

2. Sherman Receives News of Lee's Surrender in Smithfield Marker at the Johnston County Courthouse

Johnston County Fountain Memorial image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Bernard Fisher, March 8, 2010

3. Johnston County Fountain Memorial

In memory of
Lieut. Edwin Smith Sanders
killed at Drewry's Bluff, Va.
May 16, 1864

Walter R. Moore
killed at Farmville, Va.
April 8, 1865

Ensign Edwin Smith Pou
killed at the Ile Tudy, France
October 28, 1918

Presented to
The citizens of Johnston County
by
William Marsh Sanders
1923

In honor of all those from
Johnston County
who participated in the World War

Photographed By Bernard Fisher, March 8, 2010

4. Johnston County Fountain Memorial

He prayeth well
who loveth well
both man and bird
and beast

Credits. This page was last revised on May 9, 2023. It was originally submitted on March 12, 2010, by Bernard Fisher of Richmond, Virginia. This page has been viewed 1,874 times since then and 56 times this year. Last updated on May 9, 2023, by Michael Buckner of Durham, North Carolina. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on March 12, 2010, by Bernard Fisher of Richmond, Virginia. • J. Makali Bruton was the editor who published this page.