“Myths About Lee’s Surrender” is the subject for the March 11 Cumberland Mountain Civil War Roundtable.
The Cumberland Mountain Civil War Roundtable invites everyone to an evening of American Civil War History Wednesday, March 11, at 6 p.m. at Christ Lutheran Church at 481 Snead Dr. in Fairfield Glade.
The surrender of General Robert E. Lee to Ulysses S. Grant at Appomattox Court House April 9, 1865, has long been surrounded by myths and misconceptions. Many believed Lee’s surrender instantly ended the Civil War, but hostilities continued elsewhere for weeks.
Another common myth is that Lee’s surrender terms were harsh; in reality, Grant offered generous terms, allowing Confederate soldiers to return home with their personal possessions and horses.
Additionally, some accounts claim Lee was forced to surrender, yet records show he chose to do so to prevent further unnecessary loss of life.
These and other myths will be explored and clarified during the March 11 Cumberland Mountain Civil War Roundtable meeting with guest speaker Patrick Schroeder, Historian at the Appomattox Court House National Historical Park.
There have been myths and stories about historical events during our American history. Some stretch the truth some are retold many times which may not be the true history of the events.
The case of one of the famous moments in American History — Robert E. Lee’s surrender at Appomattox — dramatically illustrates the dangers of letting myth substitute for accurate history.
For generations, Americans learned the same basic story about the end of the Civil War. On April 9, 1865, Lee surrendered to Ulysses S. Grant at Appomattox Courthouse, VA.
In a sublime moment of selflessness, the two great leaders transcended their differences and chose the path of peace and reconciliation. Grant paid homage to Confederate courage by setting lenient surrender terms, which let the defeated rebels go home unpunished.
In a reciprocal show of respect, Lee handed over his ceremonial sword to Grant, only to have his counterpart return it. The two men effectively ended the war and set the stage for America’s rise as a world power.
Patrick Schroeder will explore and present various and fascinating myth’s surrounding Lee’s surrender for an exciting, educational evening of American Civil History.
Patrick is a Civil War author/historian and was born in 1968 in Belvoir, VA. Patrick attended Stuarts Draft School in Augusta County, VA. In 1990, he graduated Cum Laude with a B.S. in Historical Park Administration from Shepherd College, Shepherdstown, WV.
He has an M.A. in Civil War History from Virginia Tech. From 1986-1993, Patrick worked as a seasonal living history interpreter at Appomattox Court House National Historical Park.
In 1993, he wrote “Thirty Myths About Lee’s Surrender,” which is currently in its twelfth printing. From 1994-1999, Patrick worked at Red Hill, the Patrick Henry National Memorial. From 1999-2002, Patrick was an independent researcher.
Patrick is now the full-time Historian of Appomattox Court House National Historical Park.
A quote from Private John W. Haley, 17th Main Infantry, June 9, 1865 highlights the end of a long bloody war with the Surrender at Appomattox.
“Here we are, some with whole skins, some with not so whole. Others have been left behind. For myself, I can only wonder that there is a bone left in my carcass when I think of the wholesale carnage through which I have passed. My bruises are inward. It is all over now, and I can only regard it as a hideous dream — the smoking ruins, the sodden field, the trailing banner, the slaughtered thousands and waiting families, the roar of the cannon, the Rebel Yell and Yankee hurrah have all passed away, and we again return to peace.”
The CMCWRT invites all to an evening of American Civil War history to hear Patrick Schroeder’s presentation “The Myths of Lee’s Surrender.”
First time visitors are admitted free, but we do ask for a $5 donation to repeat nonmembers. Memberships to the CMCWRT can be obtained for the yearly subscription of $25 per person or $35 for couples.
Civil War books will be on display for purchase. A question-and-answer time will be allowed to have discussions with Patrick Schroeder.
The Cumberland Mountain Civil War Round Table — CMCWRT — is an organization of American Civil War enthusiasts.
The group is in Fairfield Glade and is open to all people of Cumberland County and surrounding area. Presentations from authors, college professors, historians are presented on the second Wednesday of the month at Christ Lutheran Church in Fairfield Glade.
The purpose of the roundtable is to educate, discuss and bring to focus the events and historical facts concerning the American Civil War. You can find us on Face Book at — Cumberland Mt. Civil War Round Table.
For additional information, call Ken Patton at 901-292-9312, or Dennis Flynn at 913-948-3499.