The initial engagement on July 21, 1861 of what would become the First Battle of Bull Run (First Manassas) took place on McLean's farm in Manassas, Virginia. Union Army artillery fired at McLean's house, which was being used as a headquarters for Confederate Brigadier General P. G. T. Beauregard, and a cannonball dropped through the kitchen fireplace.

McLean was a retired major in the Virginia militia, but at 47, he was too old to return to active duty at the outbreak of the Civil War. In the spring of 1863, he and his family moved about 120 miles south to Appomattox County, Virginia, near a dusty, crossroads community called Appomattox Court House.

On April 9, 1865, the war revisited McLean. Confederate General Robert E. Lee was about to surrender to Lieutenant General Ulysses S. Grant. He sent a messenger to Appomattox Court House to find a place to meet. On April 8, 1865, the messenger knocked on McLean's door and requested the use of his home, to which McLean reluctantly agreed. Lee surrendered to Grant in the parlor of McLean's house, effectively ending the Civil War. Later, McLean is supposed to have said "The war began in my front yard and ended in my front parlor."

Cottages in Appomattox County

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"We booked the beautiful house to stay in for our daughter’s freshman move-in at Liberty University. She actually said that this was the best place I’ve ever booked (for anything). IT IS BEAUTIFUL, inside and out. The house was exceptionally clean and even had a nice subtle fresh scent. There were snacks, which were a hit with our 3 college-aged young adults. I feel that the hosts put their heart into every detail of our stay. We truly appreciated the hospitality of our hosts, and the memories...

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Rp6.430.671 total

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8 Jan - 9 Jan

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Top Appomattox County Hotel Reviews

Holiday Inn Express & Suites Farmville by IHG

10/10 Excellent

"Everything was great. "

Microtel Inn & Suites By Wyndham Lynchburg

10/10 Excellent

"Breakfast was good, a few added varieties would make it better. Staff was very friendly. I had a late check, front door was locked, side service window was closed. There wasn’t a sign to tell me how to get in. I had to find a way to grab someone’s attention to let me in. To my surprise, I found the rooms very equally spacious – not too big and not too small. Very efficient. Its color schemes are good to the eye. I couldn’t ask for a better room. (Thumbs up) normally when I think of Microtel, I think of the tiny rooms that Microtel has. The room size surprised me. I would stay here and other locations again. "