Photograph of Appomattox Station

Appomattox Station

Appomattox County, VA  |  Apr 8, 1865

Harried mercilessly by Federal troops and continually cut off from turning south to reach Gen. Joseph Johnston's army in North Carolina, General Robert E. Lee headed west along the Appomattox River, eventually arriving in Appomattox County on April 8th. His objective was the South Side Railroad at Appomattox Station where food supplies awaited. Union cavalry under Brig. Gen. George A. Custer reached the station first, capturing three supply trains. While at the station, Custer's men came under attack from Confederate artillery under Brig. Gen. Reuben L. Walker and a handful of cavalry troopers camped in the area. The Confederates were hampered by the unexpected encounter with Custer's men, lack of organization, and no central command, which resulted in mass confusion. The unique action pitted artillery without infantry support against mounted cavalry. During most of the battle, Confederate artillery crews acted as infantry skirmishers. Custer's men charged the Confederate artillery, difficult to accomplish in the rough and wooded terrain, and captured 25 guns, driving off and scattering the Confederate defenders. The action at Appomattox Station ended Lee's hope of finding food and supplies in the immediate area and undoubtedly influenced his decision to meet with Grant at nearby Appomattox Court House the next day.

All battles of the Appomattox Campaign

White Oak Road
Dinwiddie County, VA  |  Mar 31, 1865
Result: Union Victory
Est. Casualties: 2,670
Union: 1,870
Confederate: 800
Five Forks
Dinwiddie County, VA  |  Apr 1, 1865
Result: Union Victory
Est. Casualties: 3,780
Union: 830
Confederate: 2,950
Petersburg Breakthrough
Petersburg, VA  |  Apr 2, 1865
Result: Union Victory
Est. Casualties: 7,750
Union: 3,500
Confederate: 4,250
High Bridge
Cumberland County, VA  |  Apr 6 - 7, 1865
Result: Inconclusive
Est. Casualties: 947
Union: 847
Confederate: 100
Sailor's Creek
Amelia County, Prince Edward County, and Nottoway County, VA  |  Apr 6, 1865
Result: Union Victory
Est. Casualties: 9,980
Union: 1,150
Confederate: 8,830
Cumberland Church
Farmville, VA  |  Apr 7, 1865
Result: Confederate Victory
Est. Casualties: 900
Union: 645
Confederate: 255
Appomattox Station
Appomattox County, VA  |  Apr 8, 1865
Result: Union Victory
Est. Casualties: 1,121
Union: 121
Confederate: 1,000
Appomattox Court House
Appomattox County, VA  |  Apr 9, 1865
Result: Union Victory
Est. Casualties: 652
Union: 152
Confederate: 500

Related Battles

Appomattox County, VA | April 8, 1865
Result: Union Victory
Forces Engaged
7,000
Union
4,000
Confed.
3,000
Estimated Casualties
1,121
Union
121
Confed.
1,000

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