A few years ago I went to visit my cousin who was, at that time, a Professor of Cellular Biology at Randolph College in Lynchburg, VA. Close to Lynchburg (a gorgeous town surrounded by the Blue Ridge Mountains) lies Appomattox Court House, VA, the site of General Robert E. Lee’s surrender to General Ulysses S. Grant. I was there during the fall, and the foilage was incredible. I also went to Monticello, Jefferson’s home, and the fabulous University of Virginia in Charlottesville…but that will have to wait for another fab photo Friday!
When one hears that Lee surrendered at Appomattox Court House, VA, they assume he surrendered at a courthouse. Appomattox Court House is actually a town, and the surrender took place at the plantation of Wilmer and Virginia McLean within that town. Lee and Grant met for about an hour and a half. The plantation is quite a bit smaller than it was in my imagination!
We tend to forget the magnitude of the Civil War, or the War Between the States, or as the Confederates called it, the War of Northern Aggression. Over 630,000 died during the conflict (a huge number), and there were over 1,000,000 injuries. It was by far the bloodiest war fought on American soil. Want to learn more about it? It is a National Park! Check it out at http://www.nps.gov/apco/the-surrender.htm.
While in Virginia, I also enjoyed the Blue Ridge Mountains, and walks, creeks, and bike trails through Lynchburg. Just beautiful!
Beautiful, beautiful Virgina. I do plan to go back!
Tam, you were in “my neck of the woods” when you visited there! I was born and raised not far from there, in Roanoke, VA in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains. I still refer to that area as “home” even though I have lived in Ohio since 1986. Our family has had some grand reunions at Peaks of Otter. Thank you for helping me relive my roots through your photographs!
Funny! I grew up in Ohio. Dayton. Small world!
Hopefully I will move to another area that needs exploring so you can come an visit!! I was happy to have you visit so I could get out and see some of the local historical sites too! – your cousin, Kathy
Move to Santa Barbara, cuz. I can explore the California coast forever!
This is a beautiful part of the country – that I’ve yet to see. Must visit soon! And my hubby, being an avid Civil War fan, would love it.
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Virginia is a MUST for any American history fan!11111111
I love how you balanced the photos against your discussion. I always struggle as a blogger with too many words or too many photos. Very interesting to see the inside of that house!!
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Thank you. I love photographs…and words. These houses of historical importance are always so much smaller than you imagine them to be…but what a beautiful area. Just gorgeous.
What a perfect example of the kind of information, learning, and richness travel provides. The stories of those who walked our path before us are amazing aren’t they? Great photos and stories Tam!
Thanks, Ruth. I’m a history buff, though my main interest in English history, particularly the Plantagenets, and Richard iii!
Hubby has been wanting to visit Appomattox for awhile – I’ve been less than enthusiastic. However, after seeing these pics I think I’m on board.
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Oh, you’ll love Virginia. It is simply beautiful. The land, the colors, the smells, the history, the architecture, just incredible!
If you love history you need to friend my friend John Smith on FB. He is writing a book on the American Revolution. Not to mention his RETIREMENT JOB IS ACTING, most recently Robert Redford’s understudy on a Walk in the Woods. But find him on my friends list if interested.
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Thanks Carol! Good for John!
One of my favorite trips was the Blue Ridge Parkway. My husband and I are planning a motorcycle trip through the area.
Beautiful photos!
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A motorcycle trip sounds like fun!
Tam Warner recently posted…Fab Photos Friday: Appomattox, Virginia!