It turns out the surrender papers were actually signed in the McLean family parlor. The Generals wanted to end the war as soon as possible, and because no one was at the Courthouse the documents had to be signed in a home.
The city of Appomattox was actually a stage coach stop with a courthouse. The courthouse burned down in the late 1800's, so a replica was rebuilt.
The McLean house had to be completely rebuilt by only blueprints. The amazing thing is that such a significant document was signed in a simple parlor.
The laying down of arms took over 6 hours. Regiment after regiment stepped forward and piled up their cartridge cases and rifles. The Confederates also shredded their flags and handed them out among the troops. Almost 30,000 paroles were printed in an 26 hour window. After the Confederates laid down their arms they were sent home, often with no money or food for their journey.
I don't know if any of you saw Lincoln, but the recreation of the McLean house was spot on. I literally stood on the porch and saw the movie in front of me.
The tour and facts about the end of the Civil War are so different from what I knew. Who knew a treaty could be signed in a parlor?
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