Lee's Retreat

Following successful Union attacks on his far right flank at Five Forks on April 1, 1865, Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee decided to abandon Petersburg and head west and south in an attempt to join Gen. Joseph Johnston's army in North Carolina.

Union commander Gen. U.S. Grant followed aggressively. Rapidly moving Federal forces blocked Lee's turn to the south, forcing the Confederate army west. The armies clashed at Sailor's Creek, substantially weakening Lee as he continued his agonized march across southern Virginia.

Grant finally cornered Lee at Appomattox Court House. Out of options, Lee surrendered his Army of Northern Virginia there April 9.

The Lee's Retreat driving tour follows the course of that critical action on roads that were used April 2–9, 1865. Short-range radio messages at more than 25 waysides along the way explain the activity. Tune your radio to AM1620 (near Appomattox, AM1600) to hear the messages. You must stop at the waysides to listen. The signal does not reach much beyond them.

Civil War Trails interpretive markers now enhance the radio stops with battle maps, photographs and additional description of the sites. Find the signs at Sutherland, Namozine Church, Amelia Springs, Lockett House, Rice's Depot, Cavalry at High Bridge, Farmville, Cumberland Church, High Bridge, Lee's Rearguard and Burkeville.

Longwood Bed & Breakfast
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Farmville, VA 23901
(434) 395-2617
Longwood Bed and Breakfast