Appomattox Station, Virginia

[Robert Gray]

Gardner's Photographic Sketch book of the War, Volume II. Philp & Solomons, Publishers. Washington, D.C.

This station is on the railroad between Petersburg and Lynchburg; distant from the former place ninety-six miles, and from Appomattox Court-House three miles. The place in itself is very insignificant, but received some notoriety from the fact that the last train conveying provisions to General Lee's army, during his retreat, was captured there by United States forces. The train had arrived very early in the morning, (April 8, 1865,) and the supplies were being transferred to wagons and ambulances, by a detail of about four thousand men, many of them unarmed, when suddenly our cavalry charged upon them...The rebel officers made strenuous efforts to...resist the attack, but, after a few shots, they fled in confusion, and scattered through the adjoining woods. This was the last effort made by Lee to obtain food for his...army.... Without halting a moment, the cavalry pushed on, driving the enemy...in the direction of Appomattox Court-House, capturing many prisoners, twenty-five pieces of artillery, a hospital train, and a large park of wagons.

 

[DaveBrt]

A typical Southern railroad station outside of the main towns -- a main track and one siding. The depot was usually a single building, with space for passengers and freight. The additional buildings were usually the station agent's house and a house for the slaves maintaining the track in the area.

 

[JOHN42768]

I like it

 

[Seduzal]

Never heard about this before! Learn something new. Thanks for sharing.

 

[John Winn]

Never saw that photo before or heard about the last supply train story. Thanks.

 

[White Flint Bill]

Today the visitor's center is in the old station, presumably the successor to this building