Lincoln & Grant at City Point, VA

"The Peacemakers at City Point"

This final panel in the depicts Lincoln discussing the end of the war with Generals Grant and Sherman at Grant’s headquarters at City Point, VA in March of 1865. While a meeting between Lincoln, Grant, Sherman, and Rear Admiral Porter took place on March 27,1865, a meeting with all of the figures depicted never actually took place. This depiction shows the crucial importance of the final days of the Civil War because these discussions lead to the Battle of Five Forks and the eventual surrender of General Robert E. Lee and his army at Appomattox. Two weeks after later, President Lincoln would be assassinated at Ford’s Theater in Washington D.C.

Left to right: George A. Custer, Phillip H. Sheridan, George Crook, Ulysses S. Grant, John A. Rawlins, Abraham Lincoln, Robert T. Lincoln, Mortimer D. Leggett, Wm. T. Sherman, G.K. Warren. George G. Meade, E.O.C. Ord, David D. Porter, A.A. Humphreys

Hear About the Meeting in General Grant's Own Words

The USS Bat

The USS Bat was the first choice to ferry Lincoln to City Point. As a fast, steel hull sidewheeler, it provided greater protection for the President. She would stay on as an escort after the switch to the River Queen.

The River Queen

This side paddler provided more comfortable accommodations for Lincoln and his entourage, including the women of the party, on their way to City Point.

The Peacemakers

The Peacemakers, by George P.A. Healy (1868) depicts the historic strategy session of Union high command and President Lincoln during the closing days of the war. The meeting was held on the steamer River Queen on March 27, 1865

General Grant's Horse "Cincinnati"

General Grant's Horse "Jeff Davis"

John Surrat, Confederate Spy and Would Be Assassin

Identified as a man trying to seek an audience with President Lincoln at City Point under the name of Smith by Lincoln's bodyguard William H. Crook.

Page updated

Google Sites

Report abuse