![]() On October 26,1937, the Advisory Board on National Parks, Historic Sites, Buildings and Monuments declared that the Sailor’s Creek area was of national significance. Over the years, the park has continued to grow to approximately 380 acres along with an additional 741 privately-owned acres that are in a conservation easement. Government efforts to preserve the land where the battles of Sailor’s Creek took place date back at least to 1936, when the Virginia General Assembly appropriated $1,500 to purchase 10 acres of battlefield land and the small Overton-Hillsman Farmhouse that served as a field hospital for Union and Confederate soldiers. (Photo credit: National Park Service, 1936) Note the battlefield memorial in the foreground. Photos taken of the park during the mid-1930s confirm that the landscape remained largely unchanged at this time.įigure 2. ![]() By comparing these to modern topographical maps one can see very little change over the last 120 years. These maps show roads, creeks, houses and outbuildings, ground cover, and some topography. ![]() Thompson) a survey was done of the battlefield and detailed maps were produced for the government. Michler, Major of Engineers, and Major J.E. The historical importance of Sailor’s Creek Battlefield was recognized immediately. A 1936 photo of Sailor's Creek Battlefield with the Overton-Hillsman House in the center background. Grant) wrote, “if the thing is pressed, I think that Lee will surrender.” Lincoln replied, “Let the thing be pressed.” Today, the Hillsman House and the Lockett House are part of the interpretive sites within the Sailor’s Creek Battlefield Historical State Park in Amelia and Prince Edward counties.įigure 1. In reporting his victory to President Lincoln, Gen. Grant’s success quickly led to the final downfall of Lee’s army three days later. Some 7,700 Confederate soldiers as well as wagons, artillery, and eight Confederate generals were captured at Sailor’s Creek Battlefield. Army successfully cut off the Confederates’ line of retreat and attacked the rear guard. Located in Amelia and Prince Edward counties, three engagements at the Hillsman farm, Marshall’s Crossroads and the Lockett farm, all near Sailor’s Creek, took away almost one-quarter of Lee’s remaining Army of Northern Virginia. Lee before Lee’s surrender at Appomattox Court House. On April 6, 1865, Sailor’s Creek (often mistakenly spelled Sayler’s Creek) was the site of the last major battle of the Civil War between the armies of U. Visitors to Amelia and Prince Edward counties may now tour the site of the last major battle of the American Civil War.
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