News Release

Appomattox Court House NHP hosts Presentation on Recently Completed Administrative History

McLean House in the spring

NPS

News Release Date: June 22, 2022

Contact: Robin Snyder, 434-665-6331

Appomattox, VA – A partnership of The Organization of American Historians (OAH), Interior Region 1 History and Preservation Assistance Program and Appomattox Court House National Historical Park recently completed an administrative history of the park. Josh Howard, Ph.D. served as the principal investigator and author of this document that outlines the establishment, management, and operation of the park. Join Dr. Howard and park staff for a brief overview of the park’s history and highlights of the park’s establishment on Thursday, June 30th from 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM at the Appomattox Inn and Suites, located at 
447 Old Courthouse Road. 

Dr. Howard will be joined by Park Historian, Patrick Schroeder and Superintendent, Robin Snyder to provide a brief presentation on the purpose and findings of the administrative history and to engage in discussion with participants. After initial opposition to building a “Peace Monument,” why did the plan change to the idea of restoring the village to its 1865 appearance? What were the challenges for park management who spent the first decade of the park’s existence focused on archeology and restoration of the McLean House? Discover some unknown stories about the establishment of the park and learn what drove later decisions to construct the Route 24 Bypass that exists today, reconstruct the courthouse visitor center, and interpret the broader stories of the Appomattox Campaign. 
The administrative history will serve as a reference for the park and an orientation tool for new staff that guides park management about the history of park issues over time and how these have changed depending on the context of the time. The document provides an overview of the events of April 1865 and the developing concepts for the Park, subsequent land and building uses in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, events leading up to the establishment of the park in 1940, and management and operational priorities through the centennial and the sesquicentennial commemoration of the Civil War. 

-NPS

About Appomattox Court House National Historical Park: On April 9, 1865, the surrender of the Army of Northern Virginia in the McLean House in the village of Appomattox Court House, Virginia signaled the end of the nation's largest war. The stories of Appomattox Court House go far beyond the final significant battles of this nation's Civil War. Learn more at www.nps.gov/apco. 

About the National Park Service: More than 20,000 National Park Service employees care for America's 417 national parks and work with communities across the nation to help preserve local history and create close-to home recreational opportunities. Visit us at www.nps.gov, on Facebook www.facebook.com/nationalparkservice, Twitter www.twitter.com/natlparkservice, and YouTube www.youtube.com/nationalparkservice.

About The Appomattox 1865 Foundation: The mission of the Appomattox 1865 Foundation is to enrich the understanding and appreciation of the heritage and significance of Appomattox Court House National Historical Park. The Foundation focuses on efforts to preserve the past, augment financial support, commemorate history and enhance each and every visitor’s experience.

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