Shared by Sam Wilson, Jr., Chief Ranger for Interpretation, as Guest Blogger.

Before the holiday evening fireworks begin throughout Virginia, join me on July 4^th for a presentation on the U.S. president and his influence on the Appomattox Campaign and the subsequent surrender conditions imposed on the defeated Confederate armies at Appomattox Court House, VA, and Durham, NC.

The event will be held at Sailor's Creek Battlefield Historical State Park Visitor Center on July 4, 2012 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.

Abraham Lincoln during his presidency. Photo courtesy of the Library of Congress.

Understand how Lincoln translated the theme of his Second Inaugural Address into strategy and policy guidance during his visit to the war front at City Point (now Hopewell), VA. Gain insight into his anxieties and fears as he shared them with his senior military leaders in closely held conversations and in his more open reflections. Learn some of the personal details of his riverboat sojourn at the nexus of the James and Appomattox Rivers, where he spent 18 of the last 23 days of his life. Participate in open discussion on the topic after the presentation.

Illustration of President Lincoln's visit to Richmond. Illustration courtesy of
the Library of Congress.

This program is ideal for young adults and older. Bring a portable chair. This is Event #18 in the Sailor's Creek American Civil War History Education Series. Participants should bring their attendance booklets to be stamped.

This event is part of the Sailor's Creek American Civil War History Education Series.

For more information contact the park's visitor center at 804-561-7510 or email or click here. Both the state park and the Overton-Hillsman Farm House Museum are on the National Register of Historical Places and listed as a National Historic Landmark.

The park is located at 6541 Saylers Creek Road, Rice, Va. From U.S. 460, take Route 617 (Saylers Creek Rd.) to Sailor’s Creek Battlefield State Park. From U.S. 360, take State Route 307 (connecting highway between U.S. 360 and U.S. 460) to Route 617 North (Saylers Creek Rd.).

Drive Time: Northern Virginia, three to three and a half hours; Richmond, one to one and a half hours; Tidewater/Norfolk/Virginia Beach, two and a half to three hours; Roanoke, two hours.