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Appomattox Court House National Historical ParkLee leaving the McLean House after the surrender.
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Appomattox Court House National Historical Park
The Musical Sweeneys of Appomattox County
 
Joel Sweeney of Appomattox County, Virginia was instrumental in
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Joel Sweeney of Appomattox County, Virginia was instrumental in "popularizing" and developing the 5 string banjo.

Joel Sweeney grew up in rural southside Virginia in the early 1800's. From his earliest days as a boy he loved the African based music brought to the north american continent by black slaves. Sweeney took the idea of the stringed "banjar" - a gourd bodied string instrument - and developed it into the basic modern 5 string banjo with skin head and frets.

He and his siblings, Sampson, Richard, and sister Missouri, were leaders in developing minstrel music in this Country and became so popular that they toured in europe.
Sampson Sweeney, Co. H, 2nd Virginia Cavalry
Sam Sweeney was J.E.B. Stuart's "Minstrel Man".
Sweeney served at Stuart's HQs. until his death in Jan. 1864 near Orange, Virginia.
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Appomattox Parole - Appomattox Court House National Historical Park  

Did You Know?
On April 10, 1865 Generals Lee and Grant met for a 2nd time at Appomattox Court House, Virginia. In the 2nd meeting General Lee requested that his men be given evidence that they were paroled prisoners - to protect them from arrest or annoyance. 28,231 parole passes were issued to Confederates.

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Last Updated: July 25, 2006 at 00:31 EST