The initial engagement on July 21, 1861 of what would become the First Battle of Bull Run (First Manassas) took place on McLean's farm in Manassas, Virginia. Union Army artillery fired at McLean's house, which was being used as a headquarters for Confederate Brigadier General P. G. T. Beauregard, and a cannonball dropped through the kitchen fireplace.

McLean was a retired major in the Virginia militia, but at 47, he was too old to return to active duty at the outbreak of the Civil War. In the spring of 1863, he and his family moved about 120 miles south to Appomattox County, Virginia, near a dusty, crossroads community called Appomattox Court House.

On April 9, 1865, the war revisited McLean. Confederate General Robert E. Lee was about to surrender to Lieutenant General Ulysses S. Grant. He sent a messenger to Appomattox Court House to find a place to meet. On April 8, 1865, the messenger knocked on McLean's door and requested the use of his home, to which McLean reluctantly agreed. Lee surrendered to Grant in the parlor of McLean's house, effectively ending the Civil War. Later, McLean is supposed to have said "The war began in my front yard and ended in my front parlor."

Find all hotels by Best Western in Appomattox, VA

Change your mind

Book hotels with free cancellation

Treat yourself

Sign in to save 10% or more on thousands of hotels

Sign in

Be picky

Search almost a million properties worldwide

Check prices for these dates

Tonight

Tomorrow

This weekend

Next weekend

Compare rooms and suites by Best Western in Appomattox with rates, reviews, and availability. Most hotels are fully refundable.

Save an average of 15% on thousands of hotels when you're signed in

Sign in

Sign up, it's free

Top Appomattox Hotel Reviews

Courtyard by Marriott Lynchburg

10/10 Excellent

"The bedding was of very high quality."

The Virginian Lynchburg Curio Collection

10/10 Excellent

"Beautiful Hotel, very professional staff and always Immediately available & very accommodating. Pleasant and friendly and willing to assist you in any situation. The Skyline Restaurant is amazing and the menu varied and fresh, Breakfast is delightful. I would strongly refer this Hotel, It is old world. "