On April 6, 1865, Confederate General Robert E Lee’s Army of Northern Virginia wearily trudged its way through Amelia County in hopes of reaching greatly needed supplies at Farmville, Virginia. At Sailor’s Creek, Union General Ulysses S. Grant’s Union forces successfully cut off the line of retreat and attacked the rear guard.
The result was an overwhelming Union victory, having captured wagons, artillery, approximately 7,700 combatants, and 8 Confederate generals. 72 hours later, General Lee would be surrendering the remainder of his army to General Grant at the village of Appomattox Court House, thus effectively ending the fighting in Virginia.
The staff at Sailor’s Creek present living history programs and events throughout the year at various times. Motorists traveling along Lee’s Retreat may learn more about the Appomattox Campaign and the battle through interpretive signs along the route. Tours of the historic Overton-Hillsman house, which was used by both armies as a field hospital, can be arranged upon request. Please call the park for more information on guided tours.
Directions From Camp Parsons: 34 min (21.7 miles)
- Camp Parsons - 214 Wood Haven Trail, Cumberland, VA 23040
- Head north on Wood Haven Trail - 1.1 mi
- Turn right onto VA-45 N - 1 min (0.5 mi)
- Turn right onto Davenport Rd - 8 min (4.7 mi)
- Turn right onto Stoney Point Rd - 2 min (0.9 mi)
- Take State Rte 621 to VA-616 in Amelia County - 12 min (7.9 mi)
- Turn right onto VA-616 - 2 min (1.4 mi)
- Turn right onto State Rte 617
- Destination will be on the left
Website: https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/sailors-creek
Phone: 804-561-7510
Address: 6541 Saylers Creek Rd., Rice, VA 23966; Latitude, 37.178810. Longitude, -78.137372.
Hours: Dawn to Dusk | Visitor Center 9:00am-4:00pm Daily | Hillsman House tours are available upon request
