Appomattox County

Appomattox County, formed in 1845 and named after the nearby river, was originally best known for growing tobacco. However, that dramatically changed in 1865 when Gen. Robert E. Lee surrendered to Gen. Ulysses S. Grant at the McLean House. In the 1930s, efforts began to commemorate Civil War events, and a national park was created. Each year, the county's 14,000 residents host the 125,000 visitors who flock to the area to learn more about the county's pivotal heritage. Boasting a unique history abundant with churches, notable citizens, and special events, this photograph collection shows the diverse and memorable history of Appomattox.

Patrick A. Schroeder is the historian at Appomattox Court House National Historical Park and has written or published more than 20 Civil War books. Born at Fort Belvoir, he attended graduate school at Virginia Tech and now resides in Lynchburg. Scott Frantel, a native of Wisconsin, makes his home in the Richmond area. An active National Park Service volunteer and preservationist, he has assembled more than 200 photographs to tell the story of Appomattox's unforgettable history.