We did the last of our touring on our road trip this morning. We visited Appomattox Court House, the scene of the surrender of Lee's army of Northern Virginia to Grant. This was very enlightening. First, the surrendeer did not take place in the courthouse. It took place at McLean House, a private residence. This is a photo of the replica desk and chair used by Robert E. Lee. The real ones are in museums. Second, It was only Lee's army that surrendered. Other Confederate Armies surrendered at later dates. Third, all the Confederate soldiers were issued furloughs allowing them passage back to their homes. This was actually huge. The confederate soldiers were worried that they would be sent to prison camps. They left Appomattox with nothing but their personal effects and no money. But that beats the heck out of prison camp.
On this trip we visited Bull Run, the location of the first major battle; Gettysburg, the turning point of the war and Appomattox, the place where CSA surrender commenced. Very interesting, all in all. Road trips are fun. Can't wait for the next one.