In the Spring of 1865, Federal and Confederate troops remained locked in ferocious combat. As the Federals watched the months go by while entrenched outside of Richmond and Petersburg, it appeared that General Robert E. Lee’s Army had plenty of fight left in it and was willing to fight to the bitter end. That meant for the Federals to end the war, tough decisions would have to be made by a select few individuals with the foresight and wherewithal to make them.

Have you ever wondered what went into making these decisive command decisions that helped bring the War in Virginia to a close?  Do you wonder what went through the minds of some of the Union Generals and why they conducted their commands the way they did during the Appomattox Campaign? If so, then join us for a candle-lit evening with Union Generals Ulysses S. Grant, Philip Sheridan, and O.C. Ord, brought to life by living historians Brian Withhrow, James Standard, and Mark Day. Moderated by Appomattox-Petersburg Preservation Society Co-Director Zachary Pittard, you’ll hear period accounts of the final campaign in April 1865 and the roles these three men played leading up to the surrender of the Army of Northern Virginia.

David Wooldridge will serenade those in attendance with his banjo 30-40 minutes prior to the commencement of the program, and light refreshments will be offered immediately following the program by the ladies welcoming committee of Cumberland Church.

There is ample parking, with facilities located in the church, so please come out for this unique experience.

Price: Free admission

Outside of Farmville, Virginia, near High Bridge, a Confederate garrison was established guarding the city and the vital bridge over the Appomattox River Valley. Dubbed “Camp Paradise” by those stationed there, Confederate troops enjoyed the many luxuries and comforts that many soldiers at other posts across the Southland were denied- that was, until April 1865, when terror came to Paradise.

Travel back to 1865 under the flicker of firelight at Camp Paradise as we explore the intertwined stories of two soldiers whose lives converged during the Appomattox Campaign. Through the poignant readings of Civil War-era diary passages, we’ll journey into the minds of Henry Bahnson, a soldier of the 1st North Carolina Sharpshooters, and General Thomas Smyth, commander of Union forces advancing on Farmville. As the evening unfolds, their writings will reveal the fateful and tragic connection shared by these two men in the War’s final days.

Join us for this moving and reflective fireside program that illuminates the human experiences behind the history of the American Civil War.

Price: $5.00 per vehicle (Cash, Check, Visa, MasterCard, Discover, or American Express)

To reach Camp Paradise, use 1681 Aspen Hill Road Rice, Virginia 23966, to get to the entrance of Camp Paradise Road then travel 1.5 miles to the parking area. Facilities will be available at the High Bridge Trail Visitor Center

We invite you join us as we draw close to a smoky campfire and spend an evening on the Appomattox Station Battlefield, the site of one of the final battles fought by the Army of Northern Virginia. The Appomattox-Petersburg Preservation Society will present a fireside talk where guests will be able to meet Confederate General Rueben Lindsay Walker, commanding the Confederate artillery park, Private Barney Shields of the 2nd West Virginia Cavalry and Medal of Honor recipient, and Sergeant Oscar Demesme of the Donaldsonville Artillery, one of the Confederate defenders at Appomattox Station. Dedicated living historians will bring their stories to life — tales of hope, triumph, despair, and defeat.

Join us on the very ground where the fighting took place at the very same time 160 years ago and experience the stories printed long ago as we bring them to life before you!

Price: Adults $10, Under 18 $5 — Tickets will be sold at the event.

Guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs for their convenience. There are no on-site restroom facilities.