Appomattox-Petersburg Preservation Society

06/15/2026

📣 TOMORROW — June’s Third Tuesday Lecture! 📣

Join us tomorrow, June 16, 2026, at 6:30 PM at the American Civil War Museum – Appomattox (159 Horseshoe Rd, Appomattox, VA 24522) for June’s Third Tuesday Lecture, “The Most Gallant Fight of the War: The Battle of High Bridge, April 6, 1865,” presented by APPS Social Media Manager Carson Butler.

As General Robert E. Lee’s army retreated westward during the closing days of the Civil War, a dramatic struggle unfolded at High Bridge over the Appomattox River. A Federal force sent to destroy the vital crossings soon found itself surrounded by Confederate cavalry, sparking one of the fiercest and most desperate small-unit engagements of the Appomattox Campaign.

Drawing upon new research, Carson Butler will examine the battle itself while sharing the remarkable human stories behind the fighting — from the officers and enlisted men who made their stand to the haunting discovery of an ambrotype of a young girl recovered from the battlefield. These personal accounts reveal the tragedy and sacrifice of a clash long overshadowed by the surrender at Appomattox Court House just three days later.

Don’t miss this opportunity to uncover the story of April 6, 1865, and the men whose courage and sacrifice helped shape the war’s closing chapter.

Admission is free and open to the public.

06/05/2026

Thank you to everyone who joined us for Spring Tour 2026! We were thrilled to spend the day exploring the opening stages of the Appomattox Campaign with such an enthusiastic group of history lovers. Together, we followed the path of Lee’s retreat from Sutherland’s Station to Scott’s Crossroads, Namozine Church, and Amelia Court House, walking the ground where some of the Civil War’s final and most dramatic events unfolded. It was a privilege to share these stories, stand inside the historic Forks Inn and Museum, and visit Namozine Church with all of you.

We hope you enjoyed the experience as much as we did and came away with a deeper appreciation for the soldiers, civilians, and events that shaped those critical days in April 1865. Thank you for your support, great questions, and enthusiasm throughout the tour.

We’re excited to share a few photos from the day and look forward to seeing everyone again at our future tours and programs. Until next time!

06/03/2026

📣 June’s Third Tuesday Lecture! The Most Gallant Fight of the War: The Battle of High Bridge, April 6th, 1865 📣

Join us on June 16th, 2026 at 6:30 PM at the American Civil War Museum - Appomattox (159 Horseshoe Rd, Appomattox, VA 24522) for June's Third Tuesday Lecture spotlighting "The Most Gallant Fight of the War: The Battle of High Bridge”, presented by APPS Social Media Manager Carson Butler!

On April 6th, 1865, as General Lee's army retreated westward during the final days of the Civil War, a dramatic and desperate struggle unfolded near High Bridge over the Appomattox River. A Federal expeditionary force was tasked with destroying the vital crossings near Farmville, but before they could complete their mission, they found themselves surrounded by Confederate cavalry and engaged in one of the fiercest small-unit actions of the Appomattox Campaign.

Drawing upon new research, Carson Butler will explore the military action at High Bridge while also bringing to life the deeply personal stories behind the battle — from fallen officers and enlisted men to the haunting discovery of an ambrotype of a young girl found on the battlefield. These human stories reveal the tragedy and sacrifice of a fight long overshadowed by the events at Appomattox Court House just days later.

Don't miss this opportunity to discover one of the most dramatic and overlooked engagements of the Civil War's final campaign.

05/27/2026

🚨 THIS SATURDAY — SPRING TOUR 2026! 🚨

Don’t miss your chance to walk the very ground where the Appomattox Campaign began to unravel. On May 30th, join us as we trace the westward retreat of Lee’s army from Sutherland's Station to Scott's Crossroads, on to Namozine Church, and finally Amelia Court House. Through vivid storytelling, soldier accounts, and tactical insight, you’ll experience the urgency, confusion, and heartbreak that defined April 2–5, 1865.

This tour is a rare opportunity to step inside the historic Forks Inn and museum at Sutherland’s Station — no longer open to the public — and enter historic Namozine Church itself. These are places few people ever get the chance to experience firsthand.

Tickets are still available — grab yours now and come out this Saturday for an unforgettable day following the opening days of the Appomattox Campaign!

https://www.appomattoxpetersburg.org/events

05/25/2026

On this Memorial Day, we honor and remember the men and women who gave their lives in defense of our country.

We remember stories like that of brothers Allen and James Thompson of the 4th New York Heavy Artillery during the Appomattox Campaign on April 2nd, 1865. At General Nelson Miles’ request, seven U.S. soldiers, including the Thompson brothers, volunteered to advance ahead of their brigade near the White Oak Road and reconnoiter the area, unaware a Confederate ambush waited in the woods.

When ordered to surrender by a force of nearly fifty enemy soldiers, the seven men faced a terrible choice: stay silent and allow their brigade to march into a deadly trap, or fire and almost certainly die.

They chose to warn their comrades.

The seven men opened fire to sound the alarm. Within moments, five of them were killed where they stood — sacrificing their lives so hundreds of others might live.

James Thompson was on the ground, badly wounded from multiple wounds, but survived. Allen, with a number of bullet holes through his uniform, was the only one to escape unharmed. Both Thompson brothers were later awarded the Medal of Honor for their bravery on April 2nd, 1865.

The courage of these seven U.S. soldiers exposed the ambush, saved countless Union soldiers, and stands as a lasting reminder of the price paid by so many Americans throughout our nation’s history.

This Memorial Day, may we never forget those who gave everything for others.

05/21/2026

Could the Confederate Army of Northern Virginia have realistically escaped Federal pursuit after the fall of Petersburg and Richmond? Or was Lee’s army already doomed by April 2, 1865?

What do you think? Could Lee’s army have broken away and survived longer, or was surrender inevitable?

Want to learn more about the opening days of the Appomattox Campaign and how they shaped the final outcome of the war in Virginia? Come join us for our Spring Tour on May 30th, 2026, as we explore and walk/drive the ground of April 2–5, 1865, with stops at Sutherland’s Station, Scott’s Crossroads, Namozine Church, and Amelia Court House!

For more information regarding the Spring Tour⤵️
https://www.appomattoxpetersburg.org/events

05/19/2026

SPRING TOUR 2026 📣! ***Newly added exclusive access and experiences! Read below!*** DON’T MISS OUT!

On May 30th, 2026, come walk the very ground where the Appomattox Campaign began to unravel. Over the course of this immersive day, you’ll follow the desperate westward march of Lee’s men from Sutherland’s Station to Scott’s Crossroads, on to Namozine Church, and finally to Amelia Court House. Through vivid storytelling, soldier letters, and tactical insight, you will experience the urgency, confusion, and heartbreak that defined April 2–5, 1865.

📣 This tour is a rare and genuine treat. Participants will step inside the Forks Inn and museum at Sutherland’s Station — no longer open to the public — and enter historic Namozine Church itself, spaces few are ever able to access. These moments bring you closer to the campaign than any book or map ever could.

History happened here. Come walk it. Don’t miss this unique experience. Reserve your tickets now for the Spring Tour!

Purchase your tickets here!⤵️
https://addmi.com/e/appomattoxpetersburg-spring-tour-Oqk9BTqkDUTLHqEzJ9H

Additional information here!⤵️
https://www.appomattoxpetersburg.org/events

05/18/2026

Join us all on May 19th, 2026 for our free Third Tuesday Lecture at 6:30 PM at the American Civil War Museum - Appomattox, spotlighting the Presidential Election of 1864! Presented by Shannah Wi******er, she will examine one of the most consequential elections in American history in which the contest between Abraham Lincoln and George B. McClellan became a referendum on war, peace, emancipation, civil liberties, and the meaning of Union. This program explores party divisions, wartime dissent, soldier voting, and the broader political climate, while highlighting how the election shaped the closing phase of the Civil War and its memory.

The program is free and open to the public! Please come on out and join us!

05/15/2026

Reserve your tickets now for the Spring Tour!🔥— May 30th, 2026

Walk the ground where the Appomattox Campaign began to unfold. Join us for an immersive exploration of April 2–5, 1865, as we trace the desperate westward movement of Lee’s army through Sutherland’s Station, Namozine Church, and Amelia Court House.

Through vivid storytelling, soldier letters, and tactical insight, you’ll experience the urgency, confusion, and heartbreak of these pivotal days. History happened here. Come walk it.

Purchase your tickets here!⤵️
https://addmi.com/e/appomattoxpetersburg-spring-tour-Oqk9BTqkDUTLHqEzJ9H

Additional information here!⤵️
https://www.appomattoxpetersburg.org/events

05/11/2026

In this insightful video from the Blue and Gray Education Society, park ranger, historian, and APPS President Joshua Lindamood shares the remarkable story of the Savannah Volunteer Guards during the closing days of the Appomattox Campaign in April 1865. Josh brings to life how this Georgia unit found itself swept into the desperate fighting at Sailor’s Creek as Lee’s army struggled westward in its final retreat. Go give it a watch!

In this video, Sailors Creek park ranger and historian Joshua Lindamood discusses the Savannah Volunteer Guards in April 1865's Appomattox CampaignTo support...