Appomattox Court House > Village of Appomattox Court House
The Salute of Arms wayside marker is on the northeast side of the village along the path of the old Richmond-Lynchburg Stage Road. It is next to the Lee and Grant Meet wayside marker.
From the marker:
“Salute of Arms”
On April 12, 1865, Union Brig. Gen. Joshua Chamberlain watched the distant ridge as the Confederates prepared for the surrender. They formed into column, marched into the valley, then up the Richmond-Lynchburg Stage Road toward the village. As the column approached this knoll, Chamberlain ordered his men to honor them. The Federals snapped to “carry arms” – the “marching salute.”
A surprised Maj. Gen. John B. Gordon instantly ordered his men to return the salute. Until now, the drama at Appomattox had been played out by major figures. But here was a profound expression of respect by the armies’ common soldiers. They, more than anyone else, would blaze the path to reconciliation in the years that followed.
From the caption to the painting:
“It was a scene worthy of a pilgrimage.”
Brig. Gen. Joshua L. Chamberlain, USA
Location
The Salute of Arms wayside marker is on the northeast side of the Appomattox Court House Village on the north side of the old Richmond-Lynchburg Stage Road, now a walking trail. It is about 400 yards from the Visitor Center.