On This Day

What Happened on April 9, 1865

America’s Civil War Comes Home To Roost

General Grant shakes the hand of his rival General Lee in Wilmer McLean’s home. Painting by Thomas Nast
General Grant shakes the hand of his rival General Lee in Wilmer McLean’s home. Painting by Thomas Nast

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Historical Events

Historic Event

Confederate General Robert E. Lee and 26,765 troops surrender at Appomattox Court House to US Lieutenant General Ulysses S. Grant ending the Civil War in North Virginia

Confederate General Robert E. Lee
Confederate General
Robert E. Lee

Famous Birthdays

  • Charles Proteus Steinmetz, German-American electrical engineer (development of alternating current), born in Breslau, Province of Silesia, Prussia (d. 1923)

Erich Ludendorff

Erich Ludendorff, German general during World War I, born in Kruszewnia, Prussia (d. 1937)

German WWI General Erich Ludendorff
German WWI General
Erich Ludendorff

Famous Deaths

  • Thomas Alfred Smyth, Irish/US Union general-major, dies at 32
1865 Highlights

About April 9, 1865

Day of the Week: Sunday
How Long Ago? 156 years, 6 months and 14 days
Leap Year: No

Star Sign: Aries



What Happened in 1865

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