Appomattox Court House > Village of Appomattox Court House
The “old” Appomattox County Court House was built in 1846. There was little to recommend the tiny community then known as Clover Hill for the honor except for a central location in the county and a good tavern. The Clover Hill Tavern, which had overnight lodging and served meals, was important enough that the courthouse was built directly across the stage road.
The courthouse played no role in the the surrender – it was Palm Sunday, and the building was closed. In 1892 it burned to the ground, and it was decided to build the new one three miles away in what had been known as Appomattox Station, whose railroad connection had attracted most of the business in the community.
In 1963 the Court House was rebuilt by the National Park Service to serve as the Visitor Center for Appomattox Court House National Historical Park. The first floor serves as the park’s information center, while there is a museum and auditorium on the second floor. There are also public rest rooms available.
The restored Appomattox County Courthouse (on right). The Clover Hill Tavern, an original building, is across the stage road on the left.