Copyright: Patty Elton-Interactive Outdoors, Inc.
This exciting re-enactment is a very popular attraction; plenty of parking available
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Description - This is the site of the Civil War's last major battle. The historic Hillsman House served as a field hospital for southern and northern soldiers.
Attractions
- On the evening of April 6, 1865 Union Generals Horatio Wright, Andrew Humphreys and Phil Sheridan attacked Confederate General Robert E. Lee's battered army. Two days prior, Robert E. Lee abandoned the towns of Richmond and Petersburg. At Sailor's Creek, the general lost another 7,700 men to either capture or killing. Eight generals were captured, including one of Lee's sons. Seventy-two hours later Robert E. Lee surrendered at Appomattox Court House. Re-enactors relive this emotion packed battle every other year. Various interpretive programs are scheduled at other times. Motorists traveling along Lee's Retreat may tune their radios to AM 1610 to learn more details of this horrific period in America's history. A self-guided walking trail around the property and the historic Hillsman House is especially educational. The Hillsman family lived at this property when General Lee's forces were attacked and eventually sold this land as a designated battlefield park to the state of Virginia in 1934. This park is open year-round from dawn to dusk with The Hillsman House being open weekdays during June, July and August and special programs during other months.
Recreation - Lees Retreat Driving Tour is a self-guided tour detailing the route taken by Robert E. Lee, commanding general of the Army of Northern Virginia, when he surrendered his men to Ulysses Grant, general-in-chief of all United States forces, on April 9, 1865. Appomattox National Historical Park is within a few minute drive. For more information call 1-800-6- RETREAT. Twin Lakes State Park is a few miles south and offers overnight facilities. Climate - Virginia generally has mild winters and warm humid summers. The Piedmont Plateau area of the state has winter temperatures averaging above 36 degrees Fahrenheit (2 degrees Celsius). The state's summer temperatures have little variation. Piedmont Plateau generally experiences temperatures above 78 degrees Fahrenheit (26 Celsius). High humidity along with warm temperatures can be uncomfortable. Location -
The park is 5 miles east of Farmville, Virginia. Take Rt. 307 north to Rt. 617 north. Or Rt. 307 (connecting highway between U.S. 360 and U.S. 460 at Farmville) to Rt. 617 north.
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