Precursor to High Bridge

After a six month siege, the Union Army finally pushed through the Confederate breastworks in Petersburg, at Pamplin Park, and along the lines at Richmond. Lee's only route of escape was to head west toward Appomattox, and catch a train south to meet up with the southern forces who were attempting to reunite after their thrashing by General Sherman on his March to the Sea. The Union Army was in swift pursuit. At Sailor's Creek, perhaps one third of the way toward their destination, the two armies met.

The initial actions there, at Holt's Corner to the north, and Marshall's Cross Roads to the south, became a rapid engagement in the center as the sun rose. By its end, eight Confederate generals had been captured along with thousands of men. Late action at the Lockett Farm saw the Confederates get bogged down trying to cross a double bridge, losing 1,700 more men captured. In all, the Battle of Sailor's Creek cost General Lee 7,700 men, one quarter of his remaining army. He continued to flee west, again meeting the Union, this time, at High Bridge.

Photo above: Hillsman House, Sailor's Creek Battlefield, 2015, America's Best History.

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Battle of High Bridge

You could argue that there were two separate actions at High Bridge, although most seem stuck on the second, on April 7. However, on April 6, 1865, Union cavalry and infantry with nine hundred men had arrived at the bridge first, and ordered by General Ord to destroy it. However, General Longstreet had already anticipated the need to secure the bridge, ordering twelve hundred cavalry under General Thomas Rosser to the bridge. Rosser's men overcame the Union, stopping their destruction and capturing many of the men. The Confederate Army was able to cross and get to their supplies at Farmville.

The second day, April 7, 1865, saw an almost immediate about face. As more Union troops arrived, and with the Confederates already on the other side of the Appomattox River, the Southern troops attempted to burn the railroad bridge, taking down four spans of the structure. However, there was a small detachment of Confederates whose task was destroying the service road under the bridge. The Union fought that attempt off, and extinguished the flames above. This allowed the Union to follow the enemy to Farmville, and eventually Appomattox.

Image above: Photograph showing the three repaired sections of the High Bridge over the Appomattox River, after a battle with the Confederates in April, 1865, 1865, Timothy H. Sullivan. Courtesy Library of Congress. Below: Montage (left) Confederate Cavalry General Thomas L. Rosser, and (right) Union General Edward Ord, unknown date or photographer. Courtesy Wikipedia Commons.

Toward Appomattox Court House

General Lee drove his troops toward the train at Appomattox Station, but Grant had split his forces, with the cavalry arriving at the station first, preventing the Confederates from the train of supplies and transportation. One mile northwest, on April 8, the Battle of Appomattox Station was fought. However, this did not deter Robert E. Lee, from fighting again. On April 9, during early dawn hours, he attempted to break through the Union lines again just above the town of Appomattox Court House. At first success was had, but quickly thwarted when Union infantry arrived. It was only then that he would agree to the final surrender meeting.

Photo above: Appomattox Station as the trains of supplies waiting for the Confederates were intercepted by the Union. Source: Library of Congress. Below: Wilmer McLean house, site of surrender meeting between Lee and Grant, 1865. Courtesy Library of Congress.

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