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Originally, the village of Appomattox Court house was known as Clover Hill. It was a small settlement with just a few houses around a tavern, and was a stagecoach stop on the main road between Lynchburg and Richmond. When the county of Appomattox was formed in 1845, Clover Hill was chosen as the county seat and renamed.
Site of Surrender
April 9, 1865: Robert E. Lee, commanding general of the Army of Northern Virginia, surrendered his men to Ulysses S. Grant, general-in-chief of all U.S. forces. This signaled the end of the Southern States’ attempt to create a separate nation.
Economic Impact of the War on the Prices of Certain Commodities (in Confederate dollars)
Price in 1861 Price in 1865
1 lb of coffee 35 cents 60 dollars
1 lb of butter 20 cents 20 dollars
1 lb of bacon 12 cents 18 dollars
*By 1865, one pound of flour rose to $1,000!
Scenes From A Summer Kitchen
*The term “summer” kitchen is really a misnomer, since they cooked in it all year-round.
*Women in “full skirts” had to be particularly careful when cooking at the hearth (although a major cause of death for women during this time was childbirth. Average number of births: 13).
*Staples of every meal: cheese, bread, butter, pickles.
Today’s Appliances And Their 1865 Equivalents
Stove: Pots were hung on a crane arm to swing in and out from the fire. Pots could also be raised and lowered to adjust the temperature.
Dutch Oven: The oven’s feet were place on coals; stew put inside; lid put on top; and more coals on the lid. This way, there was heat from all directions.
Ice Makers: Water in a creek was diverted and dammed to build ponds where the water was contained for freezing. Young men with axes and saws were sent to cut out ice and bring it back to the ice-house.
Garbage Disposal: the family pig
Food Processors: Any slicing, dicing and chopping was done by those doing the cooking.
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