Superintendent's Compendium

National Park Service

U.S. Department of the Interior

Appomattox Court House National Historical Park

Superintendent’s Compendium

Approved: (Signature on File) Date: January 22, 2026

By James C. Bailey, Superintendent

In accordance with applicable law and policy, and pursuant to the delegated authorities provided in Title 36, Code of Federal Regulations, Chapter 1 (“36 CFR”), the following compendium actions apply to all lands and waters administered by the National Park Service (NPS) within the boundaries of Appomattox Court House National Historical Park. This document is the written compilation of designations, closures, permits requirements and other restrictions imposed under the discretionary authority of the Superintendent, as required by 36 CFR 1.7(b). Violating any provision in this Compendium may result in criminal penalties under 36 CFR 1.3.

The compendium actions in this document apply in addition to all other laws that apply to lands and waters administered by the NPS within the boundaries of Appomattox Court House National Historical Park. These include:

• Regulations in 36 CFR and other CFR titles such as Title 43, which contains regulations that apply on public lands administered by the Department of the Interior. The current version of the CFR can be found at www.ecfr.gov. Click on “Title 36” and then “Chapter 1” to access 36 CFR.

• Statutes codified in U.S. Code, in particular provisions in Titles 16 and 54.

This Compendium is organized by the sections in 36 CFR that give the Superintendent discretionary authority to take the compendium action. Written determinations that explain why each compendium action is necessary appear in this document in italicized print.

Please contact Administrative Officer Sergio Santaella-Diaz at [e-mail] if you have any questions or comments about the Superintendent’s Compendium.

NPS regulations in 36 CFR 1.4 define certain terms that are used in 36 CFR. Other sections in 36 CFR may define terms that are used in those sections. To the extent any terms defined in the CFR are used in this Compendium, those definitions apply. In addition to terms defined in the CFR, the following terms used in this Compendium are defined as follows:

Historic Village: The historic and reconstructed 19th century buildings forming the core of the park along the historic Richmond-Lynchburg State Road, Back Lane, Market Lane, Peers Lane, and Historic Triangle.

36 CFR 1.5 - CLOSURES AND PUBLIC USE LIMITS.

36 CFR 1.5(a)(1) - Visiting hours, public use limits and closures.

Visiting Hours:

• Appomattox Court House National Historical Park visitor center and designated historic structures, main visitor parking area and entrance road, are open from 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM. All other parking lots, grounds, and trails are open from sunrise to sunset.

Determination: The park trails, grounds, and parking lots are closed sunset to sunrise, except under a permit from the superintendent, in order to protect historic structures, cultural resources, and natural resources made more vulnerable by the cover of darkness. In addition, it is more difficult for visitors to stay on designated paths and trails, and outside of closed areas, during the evening. Leaving these areas can cause significant damage to the natural and cultural resources in the park, including plants, wildlife, and archeological sites.

Public Use Limits:

• Open drinks and food, except for water in containers with a secure lid, are prohibited in all historic structures and the visitor center.

Determination: Food and drink waste and spills can cause expensive and/or irreparable damage to historic structures and collections items, including historic floors, furniture, artifact cases and individual artifacts and attract pests.

• Motor Vehicle Access: Except as otherwise addressed in this document, motor vehicle access within Appomattox Court House National Historical Park is limited to designated parking areas and roadways. Parking is not allowed along the side of Route 24 except in the Appomattox River and Apple Tree Site waysides and designated parking lots.

Determination Statement: It is necessary to establish this public use limit to protect the natural and cultural resources from resource damage, theft, vandalism, and inappropriate group activities. It is necessary for visitor safety as restricted areas can present hazards during seasonal variations of weather and daylight.

Closures:

• Appomattox Court House National Historical Park visitor center and historic structures, main visitor parking area and entrance road, are closed on January 1, Thanksgiving day, and December 25, with an early closure on December 24.

• Parking lots, trails, grounds, areas on the grounds, and buildings, may be temporarily closed as a result of public safety conditions (usually associated with snow and ice), resource protection conditions, special events, and/or construction or maintenance activities.

Determination: These conditions are established to protect public health and safety, to protect environmental and scenic values, cultural landscape, and the visitor experience.

• Gordon Drive to the east and south of the Tibbs trail, Gordon Drive structures (Moon House, Matthews House, and associated outbuildings) and historic Tibbs House ruins and immediate surroundings are closed to public access year-round.

Determination: This area of the park serves as a park meeting location, storage facility and employee housing. It is not an established visitor use area and the Tibbs House ruins poses potential safety hazards to visitors.

• Maintenance Facility and storage areas are closed to public access year-round.

Determination: These areas of the park contain machinery and large vehicles and equipment. It is not an established visitor use area and poses risk and safety hazards to visitors.

• The Sweeney Prizery and Charles Sweeny Cabin are closed to public access year-round.

Determination: These historic structures need historic preservation and are unsafe for visitors to enter.

36 CFR 1.5(a)(2) – Designate areas for a specific use or activity or impose conditions or restrictions on a use or activity.

Conditions or Restrictions on a Use or Activity

• Organized athletic activities (such as softball, football, lacrosse, horseshoes, badminton, Frisbee throwing and kite flying, golf, organized races, etc.) are prohibited except as approved in writing by the superintendent.

Determination: Certain recreation uses are prohibited as they detract from the significance and purpose of Appomattox National Historical Park and the sacred nature of a battleground and associated cemeteries. These uses also create the potential for visual intrusion of the historic scene and interfere with the visitor's understanding of the Battle of Appomattox Court House, the surrender of the Army of Northern Virginia, and Freedom Day. The use of the park for organized athletic events or competitive recreation events is not generally compatible with the significance and purpose of the park, with the exception of the park’s annual Civil War historic baseball event.

• Geocaching, leaving property unattended for the purpose of being found or visited by others, is prohibited without a special use permit.

Determination: Placing geocaches and objects in the park is a prohibited activity based upon potential negative impacts on natural and cultural resources. The negative impacts of concern include digging holes to bury caches, manipulating vegetation and geological formations to conceal caches, disturbing underground cultural resources, archeological resources or both, creating unauthorized social trails, and abandoning property.

• Launching, landing, or operating an uncrewed or remotely piloted aircraft from or on lands and waters administered by the National Park Service within the boundaries of Appomattox Court House National Historical Park is prohibited except as approved in writing by the superintendent.

Determination: This restriction is necessary to prevent unacceptable impacts to park resources and values from the use of uncrewed aircraft. Potential impacts include harming visitors, causing excessive noise, impacting viewsheds, and disturbing wildlife. This restriction is required by NPS Reference Manual #60: Aviation Management, Chapter 12 – Uncrewed Aircraft Systems.

• Filming, still photography, and audio recording activity may require a permit, consistent with 54 U.S.C. 100905.

• Filming, still photography, and audio recording activity that occurs in closed areas, requires exclusive use of a site or area, or involves a set or staging equipment other than handheld equipment (such as a tripod, monopod, and handheld lighting equipment) requires a permit, unless the activity is affiliated with an activity or event that has been allowed under a written authorization, such as a special use permit.

• Filming, still photography, and audio recording that involves more than eight individuals requires a permit, unless the NPS has specifically notified an individual or group that a permit is not required, or if the activity is affiliated with an activity or event that has been allowed under a written authorization, such as a special use permit.

• If a permit is required for the reasons stated above, or if the NPS otherwise determines and then notifies an individual or group that a permit is required for a filming, still photography, or audio recording activity, then engaging in that activity without a permit is prohibited. Violating a term or condition of a permit issued by the NPS for a filming, still photography, or audio recording activity is prohibited, and may result in the suspension or revocation of the permit, in addition to any penalties that may apply under 36 CFR 1.3.

Federal law at 54 U.S.C. 100905 states that permits and fees are not required for filming, still photography, or audio recording in park areas if certain requirements are met. These requirements address various topics, including, but not limited to, group size, location, equipment, potential impacts to resources and visitors, and the likelihood that the NPS will incur related administrative costs. If any of these requirements are not met, the law allows the Secretary of the Interior, acting through the NPS, to require a permit for the subject activity. Permit requirements are imposed by the superintendent under discretionary authority provided by 36 CFR 1.5(a)(2), which allows the superintendent to impose conditions or restrictions on a use or activity, consistent with applicable legislation, to implement management responsibilities. The general regulations for permits in 36 CFR 1.6 do not apply to permits issued for filming, still photography, and audio recording, which instead are governed by the statutory provisions in 54 U.S.C. 100905. The imposition of permit requirements, on a case-by-case basis, for filming, still photography, or audio recording does not require rulemaking under 36 CFR 1.5(b). Requiring a permit with reasonable terms and conditions in accordance with statutory requirements at 54 U.S.C. 100905 is not highly controversial, will not result in a significant alteration in the public use pattern of the System unit, will not adversely affect the System unit’s natural, aesthetic, scenic or cultural values, or require a long-term or significant modification in the resource management objectives of the System unit, because the permit requirement is limited in time and scope to the specific activities authorized by the permit, which contain terms and conditions that protect the values, resources, and visitors of the System unit, and implements federal law.

36 CFR 1.6 – ACTIVITIES THAT REQUIRE A PERMIT.

36 CFR 1.6(f) – Activities that require a permit.

The following activities are prohibited without a permit. Criteria for approving or denying permits are established by applicable law (statutes and regulations) and policy. Permitted activities are subject to applicable terms and conditions.

• Launching or landing uncrewed aircraft. 36 CFR 1.5.

• Specimen collection (taking of plants, fish, wildlife, rocks, or minerals) 36 CFR 2.5.

• Operating a public address system. 36 CFR 2.12.

• Soliciting or demanding gifts, money goods or services. 36 CFR 2.37.

• Conduct a special event (examples include but are not limited to: wedding, sporting event, pageant, public spectator attraction, entertainment, ceremony, and similar events), 36 CFR 2.50.

• Conducting a demonstration by groups of more than 25 people. 36 CFR 2.51.

• Selling or distributing printed matter and other message-bearing items by groups of more than 25 people. 36 CFR 2.52.

• Scattering of human ashes from cremation. 36 CFR 2.62.

• Displaying, posting, or distributing commercial notices or advertisements. 36 CFR 5.1.

• Engaging in or soliciting any business. 36 CFR 5.3.

• Constructing or attempting to construct any building, structure, road, trail, path, or utility. 36 CFR 5.7.

• Some filming, still photography, and audio recording (depends upon the facts and circumstances, contact the park for more information). 36 CFR 1.5(a)(2) and 54 U.S.C. 100905.

For more information on permit requirements please call 434-665-6331 or visit https://www.nps.gov/apco/planyourvisit/permitsandreservations.htm

III. GENERAL REGULATIONS

36 CFR 2.1 – PRESERVATION OF NATURAL, CULTURAL AND ARCHEOLOGICAL RESOURCES

(c)(1), (c)(2) Fruits, nuts, and berries gathered by hand for personal use or consumption, is authorized by permit only.

Determination: There are no known fruits, nuts, and berries growing in the park along established trails and visitor use areas. The use of a permit will ensure that sensitive areas (such as archeological sites) are not disturbed.

36 CFR 2.2 - WILDLIFE PROTECTION

(e) Except pursuant to the terms of a permit, the use of artificial light and infrared lighting/beams for the purposes of viewing wildlife is prohibited.

Determination: Hunting is prohibited in the park. Viewing wildlife by means of artificial light disturbs wildlife in their natural habitat. The park is open daylight hours only.

36 CFR 2.3 – FISHING

(a) Fishing is prohibited in the park.

Determination: Park streams and the Appomattox River are generally too shallow and banks are not safely accessible for recreational fishing.

36 CFR 2.10 – CAMPING AND FOOD STORAGE

(a) Camping is generally prohibited, except as provided under the following conditions noted:

• Camping is permitted in connection with park sponsored living history programs.

• Any other camping is prohibited without a permit.

Determination: The park was not established for overnight occupancy and does not have the necessary amenities for overnight use. There are numerous commercial camping and lodging facilities near the park.

36 CFR 2.11 – PICNICKING

Picnicking is restricted to the picnic area adjacent to the lower main parking lot.

Determination: The nature and purpose of the park is to protect historic buildings and landscapes. Limiting picnicking to the designated area will control litter and protect the contemplative nature of most areas of the historic landscape.

36 CFR 2.13 – FIRES

(a)(1) The lighting or maintaining of fires is generally prohibited, except as provided for in the following designated areas and/or receptacles, and under the conditions noted:

• Fires are not permitted in Appomattox Court House National Historical Park except under the conditions of a Special Use Permit or other official agreement.

• Any fire allowed under the conditions of a permit may be ignited and maintained only by using fuel sources designed and commonly used for warmth or the preparation of food, such as charcoal briquettes or natural firewood. Lighting or maintaining a fire with other materials including, but not limited to, flammable liquids, garbage, fireworks, plastics, aerosol canisters, batteries, or other manufactured or synthetic materials, is prohibited.

Determination: This action is necessary for the maintenance of public health and safety, protection of environmental or scenic values, protection of natural or cultural resources, and the implementation of management responsibilities. Materials other than approved combustibles – especially fire accelerants and substances prone to wind transport or explosion – create serious risks when used to light or maintain fires. These combustibles can ignite or spread wildfires that directly threaten people and valuable resources and assets. The burning of manufactured or synthetic materials can contribute to air pollution, contaminate soil and water, and be toxic to humans and the environment. Less restrictive measures, such as an education campaign, would not be commensurate with the substantial risks associated with those activities and could lead to adverse outcomes that might be prevented by establishing an enforceable condition.

36 CFR 2.15 – PETS

(a)(5) Visitors are required to remove pet excrement from parking lots and developed visitor use areas, such as the historic village, the Visitor Center, historic structures and monuments, the picnic area, and trails.

• Pet excrement shall be removed and disposed of in proper trash containers.

Determination: Pet excrement poses a public health hazard in high use areas such as parking lots, visitor centers, and developed areas.

(a)(c) Pets are on a leash of a reasonable length of 10’ or less that provides for direct and immediate physical control.

Determination: Pets running at large are a safety concern for park visitors and wildlife such as bears and coyotes. Leashes over 10’ (longlines) do not provide for the immediate control of a pet during an interaction with visitors or wildlife.

36 CFR 2.16 – HORSES AND PACK ANIMALS

(b) The use of horses or pack animals is allowed on the following trails, routes, or areas:

• Horses for law enforcement purposes are allowed on the park trails and lands.

• Horses for interpretive purposes are allowed on the park trails and lands (only by Special Use Permit or as part of an NPS sponsored program).

• Recreational use of horses is not allowed.

• Pack animals and other livestock (oxen, cows, etc.) are allowed in the park only by permit or as part of a Park program.

Determination: There is no designated area for the riding of horses in Appomattox Court House National Historical Park. This condition is established in order to prevent conflicts between horse riders and others, and to protect park resources and trails.

36 CFR 2.19 – WINTER ACTIVITIES

(a) Cross country skiing and snowshoeing are allowed on established park trails only. Sledding, tobogganing, tubing, etc. are prohibited parkwide.

Determination: Certain recreation uses are prohibited as they detract from the significance and purpose of Appomattox National Historical Park and the sacred nature of a battleground and associated cemeteries. These uses also create the potential for visual intrusion of the historic scene and interfere with the visitor's understanding of the Battle of Appomattox Court House, the surrender of the Army of Northern Virginia, and Freedom Day. These activities could also result in damage to cultural resources.

36 CFR 2.21 – SMOKING

(a) Smoking or Electronic Nicotine Delivering Systems (ENDS or "Vapes") use is prohibited in the following locations:

• Inside all government facilities and structures, including Park housing.

• Within 25 feet of any entrance or exit primarily accessed by the visiting public.

• Inside government vehicles.

• Within 25 feet of any vehicle or equipment while fueling.

• Within 25 feet of any hay bales.

• On trails during periods of “Very High” or “Extreme” fire danger, as established by the Virginia Department of Forestry.

Determination: Smoking in government facilities and vehicles is prohibited by agency policy DO 50D. Smoking is also prohibited to protect sensitive cultural and historic structures from the presence of tobacco smoke and the potential for fire.

36 CFR 2.35 – ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES and CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES

36 CFR 2.35(a)(3) Closures to alcohol.

All areas of Appomattox Court House National Historical Park are closed to the consumption of alcoholic beverages or the possession of an open container of an alcoholic beverage, with the following exceptions:

• Park Residences.

• By permit only.

Determination: The general consumption and possession of alcohol in the park is inappropriate given the historic and solemn purpose for which the park was established.

36 CFR 2.51 – DEMONSTRATIONS AND DESIGNATED AVAILABLE PARK AREAS

36 CFR 2.51(c)(2) Designated location

The following locations are designated as available for demonstrations. A permit is not required for demonstration in the designated location if it involves 25 persons or fewer and does not involve structures:

• Richmond-Lynchburg stage road, from a line extending north from the east fence of the Confederate cemetery west to a line extending north from the western edge of the Confederate cemetery parking lot.

• Main visitor parking lot, in the grassy median between the upper (far) and lower (close) parking lots, specifically between lines extending northeast from both the east and west ends of the northeast side of the upper lot parking lot.

The Superintendent may designate additional areas as necessary. See Appendix A for more details and for maps.

Note: First Amendment activities involving 25 people or fewer do not require a Special Use Permit to demonstrate or distribute or sell printed matter under our First Amendment rights. However, First Amendment activities without a permit are restricted to the designated first amendment sites listed above. Those sites were selected by the park for their high visibility and access to the public and for the physical nature of those sites to provide ample room for freedom of speech activities. Activities shall not cause injury or damage to park resources, unreasonably interfere with tranquility or interpretive activities, or create a clear or present danger to park visitors.

36 CFR 2.62 – MEMORIALIZATION

(b) A permit is required for the scattering of ashes from cremated human remains, in accordance with the following terms and conditions:

• The remains to be scattered must have been cremated and pulverized.

• The scattering of remains by persons on the ground is to be performed at least 100 yards from any trail, road, developed facility, or body of water.

• The scattering of remains from the air is to be performed at a minimum altitude of 2000 feet above the ground.

• No scattering of remains from the air is to be performed over developed areas, facilities, or bodies of water.

Determination: The nature and purpose of the park to preserve and protect park resources and landscape features is not consistent with this activity that could impact visitor experience.

36 CFR 4.2 STATE LAW APPLICABLE

(a) Traffic and the use of vehicles within a park area are governed by State law. State law that is now or may later be in effect is adopted and made a part of the regulations in this part.

(b) Violating a provision of State law is prohibited.

Public parking on the shoulder of Route 24 within the park, except in the designated Appomattox River and Apple Tree waysides, is prohibited.

36 CFR 4.13 – OBSTRUCTING TRAFFIC

(a) Stopping or parking a vehicle upon a park road, except in the event of an accident or other condition beyond the control of the operator, is prohibited with the following exceptions:

• Parking on the shoulder of Gordon Drive at the Coleman Trail head.

• Unless indicated by signs, roadway markings, or officer’s signals during a special event.

• Under the conditions of a Special Use Permit or other official agreement.

Determination: Stopping or parking a vehicle on a park road has the potential to cause an accident and/or resource damage. Ample public parking is available in the main visitor parking lot and additional parking lots along Rt. 24.

36 CFR 4.21 – SPEED LIMITS

(a)(1) 15 miles per hour: within parking areas, utility areas, business or residential areas, other places of public assemblage and at emergency scenes. This includes:

• Gordon Drive.

• George Peers Drive.

• Facility Maintenance entrance.

(b) The speed limit shall be 10 mph on the following non-public park access roads and historic roads:

• Access roads:

• Tavern Guesthouse (Eastern National store)

• Temporary access road between Peers Drive and Facility Maintenance area

• Historic roads:

• Richmond-Lynchburg Stage Road (Gordon Drive to Appomattox River)

• Back Lane

• Market Lane

• Bocock Lane

• Prince Edward Court House Road (gate on George Peers Drive to stage road)

Determination: Historic roads are uneven surfaces of various elements (dirt, loose gravel). Higher speeds can make stopping and turning difficult, may result in resource damage, and create a level of sound that disrupts the historic scene and visitor experience.

36 CFR 4.30 – BICYCLES (including ELECTRIC BICYCLES)

(a) Bicycles are allowed on park roads and in parking areas that are otherwise open for motor vehicle use by the general public.

• Use of bicycles within and adjacent to employee housing is permitted.

(f) Bicycles are prohibited within the main historic village and the Richmond-Lynchburg stage road.

(i) Class 1 and Class 2 electric bicycles are allowed in the following locations where traditional bicycles also are allowed:

• Park roads and parking that are otherwise open for motor vehicle use by the general public.

Determination: Class 1, 2 and 3 e-bikes are now defined in 36 CFR. These provisions protect the park’s natural, scenic, and aesthetic values, while contributing to minimal disturbance to wildlife or park resources. Allowing electric bicycles on public roads and in parking areas will create new opportunities for recreation and access within the park. It will not create any adverse impacts to park visitors, resources or values due to the existing use of these locations by motor vehicles and bicycles.

Appendix A: First Amendment Areas

 

Map highlighting the Richmond-Lynchburg stage road first amendment area.

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Map highlighting the main visitor parking lot first amendment area.

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