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 Lee’s 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. Marker is near Appomattox, Virginia, in Appomattox County. Marker is on Old Courthouse Road (Virginia Route 24), on
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Grant’s Pursuit (a few steps from this marker); Battle of Appomattox Station (a few steps from this marker); Heritage Garden (approx. half a mile away); North Carolina Monument (approx. 0.6 miles away); a different marker also named The North Carolina Monument (approx. 0.6 miles away); Raine Cemetery and Monument (approx. 0.6 miles away); North Carolina (approx. 0.7 miles away); Confederate Artillery Position (approx. ¾ mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Appomattox.
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
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.
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 1,764 times since then and 18 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.
