Appomattox Station

General Robert E. Lee moved west down the Appomattox River after being relentlessly harassed by Federal troops and being prevented from heading south to assist Gen. Joseph Johnston's army in North Carolina. He eventually arrived in Appomattox County on April 8th. His target was the Appomattox Station station on the South Side Railroad, where food supplies were waiting. First to arrive at the station, the Union cavalry led by Brig. Gen. George A. Custer seized three supply trains. Confederate artillery under Brig. Gen. Reuben L. Walker and a few cavalry troopers camping nearby attacked Custer's men while they were at the station. The surprise encounter with Custer's forces, a lack of organization, and the absence of a central leadership made the Confederates' situation difficult. The unusual battle paired mounted cavalry against artillery that had no infantry assistance.

Confederate artillery crews served as infantry skirmishers for the majority of the conflict. Despite the challenging terrain and dense cover, Custer's soldiers assaulted the Confederate artillery, captured 25 guns, and dispersed the defenders. Lee's expectation of locating food and supplies in the area was dashed by the events at Appomattox Station, which probably had an impact on his choice to meet Grant the next day at nearby Appomattox Court House.

Time: April 8, 1865

Place: Virginia