A Day Of Remembrance: Appomattox

Koala Bear learned about the Civil War a few months ago in school. Ever since that day she has asked if we can go to Appomattox to visit the Courthouse. I have to admit that I did not remember the significance of Appomattox, so I had to look it up. 

Appomattox was the place where General Lee signed a resignation deal for the Confederation with General Grant. It was a simple affair that juxtaposed the bloody several year war. 

We were already half way there and decided that we would make it a chance to visit Appomattox National Park. It was worth it! The history was so well done. Walking down the street and visiting the restored homes was priceless. We talked about the civil war, we discussed slavery, we talked about bravery. All around it was a strong opportunity to grapple with some dark parts of our Nation's history and how even in all the bad, there were people who did good--people that served others. 

I found the stories of peace and reconciliation especially powerful. How General Grant set the standard and example for all to follow of welcoming the Confederate armies back to the Union and recognizing them as fellow brothers and sisters instead of enemies. 

The printing press set up to print the pardons for the Confederate soldiers to take home and start living their lives again. 

This is the replica of the room where the documents were signed. It was a simple document with only 8 sentences. 5 from the Confederate side and 3 from the Union side. 

This girl wanted to have her chance to take a photo in front of the Courthouse. I am so thankful for great teachers and a good education system that feeds our two Muggles with a love for history and learning. 

I was really impressed with the National Park Service and their recognition of the part that Slavery played in our Nation's history. This building was a home for slaves. It was turned into a bathroom in the 1950s. But as you can see from the sign, they recognize it was a disrespectful way to use the building and it is no longer a bathroom. It is so powerful and a step towards reconciliation when someone steps up and admits a failure or a mistake. Owning allows all sides to move forward.