The Civil War Appomattox History is a key period that marked the official end of the American Civil War. The surrender at Appomattox Courthouse, on April 9, 1865, symbolized the final chapter in the struggle between the Union and Confederate forces. To truly understand the importance of this historical event, there are a handful of exceptional books that delve into the details, offering gripping narratives and deep insights.
This list of the Top 10 Best Books on Civil War Appomattox History is for anyone looking to explore this significant event. These books cover everything from battlefield tactics to the personal stories of the key figures involved. Let’s dive into this countdown of the most insightful books on the Civil War Appomattox History.
Author: Richard Bowen
Richard Bowen is a Civil War historian with over 20 years of experience researching this critical period in American history. His work aims to provide accessible and insightful reads for anyone interested in the Civil War and its key battles, particularly Appomattox.
The Battle That Changed America (H2)
The surrender at Appomattox Courthouse was the final chapter of the bloodiest conflict in American history. Here’s a look at the top 10 books on Civil War Appomattox History that you must read to fully understand this key event. These books take readers through the strategies, battles, and personal stories that culminated in this historic moment.
10. General Robert E. Lee: After Appomattox
Franklin L. Riley
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4.2/5 (5 reviews)
This book focuses on Robert E. Lee’s life post-surrender. The aftermath of the Civil War is often less discussed, but Franklin L. Riley offers a comprehensive look at how Lee navigated the challenges of reconstruction and redemption after his military defeat.
Why We Chose It: It provides an important perspective on Lee’s actions after the war, which shaped the South’s reconstruction.
Fun Fact: Lee became the president of Washington College (now Washington and Lee University) shortly after the war.
Category: Civil War Appomattox History
Buy It Here
9. A Stillness at Appomattox: The Army of the Potomac Trilogy
Bruce Catton
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4.7/5 (988 reviews)
Bruce Catton’s A Stillness at Appomattox is a Pulitzer Prize-winning masterpiece that vividly details the final year of the Civil War. His portrayal of the Army of the Potomac in the days leading up to Appomattox is unmatched.
Why We Chose It: This book combines personal narrative with factual accounts, providing a human perspective on the historical events.
Fun Fact: Bruce Catton’s trilogy is considered one of the greatest works of Civil War history.
Category: Civil War Appomattox History
Buy It Here
8. Appomattox: The Surrender of the Army of Northern Virginia
Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4.3/5 (625 reviews)
Written by Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain, a Union general present at the surrender, this book offers a unique first-hand account of the events at Appomattox. His insights into the emotions of both sides during the surrender are deeply moving.
Why We Chose It: Chamberlain’s first-hand experience provides authenticity and depth to this historical account.
Fun Fact: Chamberlain was chosen by General Ulysses S. Grant to officially accept the Confederate surrender.
Category: Civil War Appomattox History
Buy It Here
7. The Annotated Memoirs of Ulysses S. Grant
Ulysses S. Grant
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4.8/5 (414 reviews)
Grant’s Memoirs provide an indispensable account of the final days of the Civil War. This annotated edition gives modern readers insight into Grant’s decisions leading to Lee’s surrender.
Why We Chose It: Grant’s detailed recollections are a primary source, enhanced by annotations that provide context for modern readers.
Fun Fact: Grant finished his memoirs while battling cancer, determined to secure his family’s financial future.
Category: Civil War Appomattox History
Buy It Here
6. The Civil War: A Narrative – 3 Volume Box Set
Shelby Foote
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4.8/5 (1,527 reviews)
Shelby Foote’s three-volume masterpiece is essential for any Civil War history enthusiast. This final volume focuses on the war’s conclusion, including Appomattox.
Why We Chose It: Shelby Foote’s storytelling is unparalleled, offering both strategic details and human experiences of the Civil War’s final moments.
Fun Fact: Foote’s works were pivotal in Ken Burns’ Civil War documentary series.
Category: Civil War Appomattox History
Buy It Here
5. The Civil War: A Narrative: Volume 3: Red River to Appomattox
Shelby Foote
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4.8/5 (1,151 reviews)
The third volume of Foote’s narrative covers the war’s final campaigns, including the Battle of Appomattox, offering readers a rich account of the strategic decisions that led to the Confederacy’s downfall.
Why We Chose It: This volume gives a granular look at the events that led to Lee’s surrender, making it a must-read for Civil War buffs.
Fun Fact: Foote wrote this entire series longhand, refusing to use a typewriter or computer.
Category: Civil War Appomattox History
Buy It Here
4. Hymns of the Republic: The Story of the Final Year of the American Civil War
S.C. Gwynne
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4.7/5 (806 reviews)
Gwynne’s Hymns of the Republic focuses on the final year of the Civil War. His compelling narrative explains how the Union forces pushed forward to the decisive surrender at Appomattox.
Why We Chose It: It gives a gripping account of the events leading to the surrender and the emotions of the soldiers on both sides.
Fun Fact: Gwynne’s previous book, “Empire of the Summer Moon,” was a Pulitzer Prize finalist.
Category: Civil War Appomattox History
Buy It Here
3. Longstreet: The Confederate General Who Defied the South
Elizabeth Varon
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4.5/5 (273 reviews)
Elizabeth Varon’s biography of General Longstreet gives insight into one of the Confederacy’s most controversial figures. This book is key to understanding the fractured politics of the South after Appomattox.
Why We Chose It: Longstreet’s role in both the Civil War and Reconstruction is often overlooked, but this biography sheds light on his significant influence.
Fun Fact: Longstreet was blamed by many Confederate leaders for their loss at Gettysburg.
Category: Civil War Appomattox History
Buy It Here
2. West from Appomattox: The Reconstruction of America after the Civil War
Heather Cox Richardson
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4.5/5 (623 reviews)
This book offers a unique perspective on how America reshaped itself post-Appomattox. Richardson explores how the Civil War’s conclusion influenced political, social, and economic changes across the country.
Why We Chose It: It expertly combines a narrative on reconstruction with the events following Lee’s surrender.
Fun Fact: Richardson is a well-known historian with a strong social media presence where she discusses American history.
Category: Civil War Appomattox History
Buy It Here
1. The Civil War: A Narrative, Vol. 3: Red River to Appomattox
Shelby Foote
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4.8/5 (1,151 reviews)
Shelby Foote’s final volume in his monumental Civil War narrative is our top pick. Covering the last years of the war, this book provides a comprehensive look at the strategic decisions that culminated in the Confederate surrender at Appomattox Courthouse.
Why We Chose It: Foote’s masterful storytelling and comprehensive research make this the definitive book on the end of the Civil War.
Fun Fact: Foote’s work served as the foundation for Ken Burns’ famous Civil War documentary.
Category: Civil War Appomattox History
Buy It Here
Check out some more Top10 categories at www.top10books.org
“As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.”