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Appomattox County, Virginia

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Parent: Appomattox Court House Hop 4
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Appomattox County, Virginia
CountyAppomattox County
StateVirginia
Founded1845
SeatAppomattox
Largest townAppomattox
Area total sq mi334
Area land sq mi333
Area water sq mi0.5
Population as of2020
Population total16,119
Population density sq miauto
Time zoneEastern
Webwww.appomattoxcountyva.gov
Named forAppomattox River
District5th

Appomattox County, Virginia. Located in the Piedmont region of the Commonwealth of Virginia, it is most historically significant as the site where General Robert E. Lee surrendered the Army of Northern Virginia to Lieutenant General Ulysses S. Grant, effectively ending the American Civil War. The county was formed in 1845 from parts of Buckingham, Charlotte, Prince Edward, and Campbell counties, and its county seat is the town of Appomattox. Today, the county's identity is deeply intertwined with the Appomattox Court House National Historical Park, which preserves the landscape of the 1865 surrender.

History

The area was originally inhabited by the Appomattoc tribe, a Powhatan group, from which the Appomattox River and subsequently the county derive their names. European settlement expanded in the 18th century, with the county officially established by the Virginia General Assembly in 1845. Its most pivotal moment occurred in April 1865 during the Appomattox campaign, when the Army of Northern Virginia, pursued by the Union Army, made its final stand. The surrender at the McLean House in the village of Appomattox Court House on April 9 was followed by a formal ceremony on April 12. In the 20th century, the National Park Service established the Appomattox Court House National Historical Park to commemorate these events. Other historical sites include the Holliday Lake State Park and the former Appomattox Railroad Depot.

Geography

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 334 square miles, predominantly land. It lies within the James River watershed and is drained by the Appomattox River and its tributaries, including Sandy River and Willis River. The terrain is characterized by rolling hills of the Piedmont region, with portions of the county included in the Appomattox-Buckingham State Forest. It is bordered by Campbell County to the west, Charlotte County to the south, Prince Edward County to the southeast, Buckingham County to the east, and Nelson County to the north.

Demographics

As of the 2020 United States Census, the population was 16,119. The racial makeup was predominantly non-Hispanic white, with significant African American and smaller Native American and Asian American communities. The population center is the town of Appomattox, with smaller communities such as Pamplin City and Evergreen. Historical population trends show growth following the American Civil War and more substantial increases in the late 20th century, influenced by proximity to Lynchburg, Virginia.

Government and infrastructure

Appomattox County is governed by an elected Board of Supervisors and operates under a County manager system. It is part of the 5th Congressional District of Virginia. Key infrastructure includes the Appomattox County Sheriff's Office, the Appomattox County Public Schools system, and the Appomattox County Courthouse. The county is served by U.S. Route 460 and Virginia State Route 24, and it lies within the jurisdiction of the Virginia State Police and the Central Virginia Electric Cooperative.

Economy

The economy has historically been based on agriculture and forestry, with tobacco, soybeans, and livestock as traditional products. Manufacturing gained importance in the 20th century, with companies like Appomattox Garment Company and Georgia-Pacific operating facilities. The Appomattox Court House National Historical Park is a major driver of tourism, supported by local businesses such as the Babcock House and the Appomattox Inn and Suites. Other employers include the Appomattox County Public Schools and Centra Health.

Education

Public education is provided by Appomattox County Public Schools, which includes Appomattox County High School, Appomattox Middle School, and several elementary schools. The system is overseen by an elected Appomattox County School Board. There are no institutions of higher education within the county; students typically attend colleges such as Liberty University, University of Lynchburg, or Longwood University in neighboring jurisdictions. The Appomattox County Library is part of the Pamunkey Regional Library system.

Notable people

Notable individuals associated with the county include Confederate States Army officer General Robert E. Lee and Union Army commander Lieutenant General Ulysses S. Grant, due to the surrender events. Civil War historian and author Douglas Southall Freeman hailed from the area. Modern figures include NASA astronaut L. Gordon Cooper Jr., who trained in the region, and professional baseball player Brandon Inge, who attended Appomattox County High School.

Category:Appomattox County, Virginia Category:Virginia counties Category:1845 establishments in Virginia