In April 1865, Confederate General Robert E. Lee's Army of Northern Virginia was exhausted, undersupplied, and in retreat.

Union General Ulysses S. Grant's forces relentlessly pursued and eventually surrounded Lee's army at Appomattox Court House, Virginia.

Realizing his position was hopeless and wishing to avoid further bloodshed, Lee chose to surrender.

The two generals met on April 9, 1865, in the parlor of the McLean House to negotiate the terms.

Grant offered generous terms of surrender, reflecting President Lincoln's desire for a peaceful national reconciliation.

Confederate soldiers were not taken as prisoners of war and were allowed to keep their private property, including their horses, to aid in spring planting.

They were required to lay down their arms and agree not to take up arms against the U.S. again.

Lee's surrender at Appomattox Court House effectively marked the end of the American Civil War.

Although other Confederate forces remained in the field, they surrendered soon after hearing of Lee's capitulation.

The event is remembered as a moment of dignity and reconciliation that helped begin the long process of healing the nation.