Civil War series - Episode 1 - Bitter April: Lee's Retreat Across Virginia

General Robert E. Lee's Army of Northern Virginia, forced out of its defensive positions around Petersburg, began retreating westward in an effort to join other Confederate forces in North Carolina. Pursued by an implacable enemy sensing victory at last, Lee's ranks were savaged by hunger, battle and utter weariness. Bloody and proud, this once vaunted and feared army stumbled on, until finally at Appomattox Courthouse in Virginia, on April 9, 1865, it surrendered to the overwhelming strength of Union forces led by Lieutenant General Ulysses S. Grant.

See the grim story of this Bitter April unfold through the eyes of the late Professor James I. Robertson, Jr., Alumni Distinguished Professor in History at Virginia Polytechnic Institute, noted Civil War historian, author and lecturer. Join him as he retraces Lee's westward march, stopping at the places where history was made; Five Forks where the Confederate line was broken, Namozine Church, where on the floor bloodstains from the wounded on both sides are still visible; Sailor's Creek, where Lee lost 8,000 men, and finally Appomattox Courthouse. Bitter April visits these and other locations along the Route and is further illustrated with Civil War photographs and drawings. In Dr. Robertson's words, Generals Lee and Grant did more than end the Civil War... "They signed the birth certificate of a new nation." @BlueRidgeStreaming

[stevestringer]

Thank you Dr. Robertson for teaching us all. Rest in Peace sir. You will not be forgotten.

[PercyPruneMHDOIFandBars]

I like the style of this presentation. Even today, over 150yrs after these tumultuous events there's still controversy. Many try to erase the memories of this war and it's utterly wrong!

Like ALL history, it is vital that what happened and why is known and understood. Both viewpoints need to be remembered because otherwise, they can raise their ugly heads and history WILL repeat itself.

This programme is an excellent example of how that can be done. Simple storytelling, without bias, politically or otherwise. War, is a breakdown of communication. When one side stops listening, it is inevitable and that has scary parallels with today, 2024. America is rapidly becoming more and more polarised. Unless some drastic reconciliation happens, I fear major internal conflict.

[ericcrawford]

158yrs. ago today. April 9th 2023. It's good to remember our history. Thanks for your program.

[jerroldbates]

I'm 65, live in Columbus Oh. Civil War history is my passion. The more I learn through these documentaries, the more passionate it becomes. .

[southerne]

The year is 2024 the 159 anniversary of this amazing week in our nation’s history. It’s a powerful document. Rest in peace Doc. Enjoyed your books and wisdom in a troubling time in our history.

[peterschief]

This is the best account of the last days of the confederacy I ever heard. Dr Robertson RIP

[thegiftluis]

Outstanding! a true pleasure and Dr. Robertson makes it so tasteful RIP sir

[fokkerdred]

Thank you so much for this excellent presentation.

[nobodyknows]

41:00 Wilmer McLean, who owned the house at Appomattox, had previously owned a farm at Bull's Run. The only man in American history who can claim "The Civil War started in my back yard, and ended in my front parlor.

[johnwilson]

While a member of the Australian Army I attended the US Army Logistic Management College at Ft Lee, in Petersburg Va. I was privileged to visit Gettysburg, Appomattox and various battlefields during my time there. I was deeply moved at Gettysburg at the slaughter and tremendous sacrifice of soldiers of both sides. The US does not need another civil war!

[nobodyknows]

This is a great episode, and a magnificent channel, not just for the fine residents of Virginia. Many Thanks!

[ComplexityComplex]

God bless all the men who fought and died with honor. God bless America.

[normajeanmorrissey]

Such terrible loss of life to preserve a practice that never should have been in existence. God forgive those who maintained slavery. God bless those who brought it to an end.

[willoutlaw]

Lee surrendered to General U.S. Grant. To phrase the event as an "agreement" is incorrect. Surrender and agreement are not linguistic equivalents. Just like winner and loser have different meanings.

[richardvader]

This is narrated for a Southern audience!

[richchadbourne]

great view. I'm interested in collecting hand written diaries from the civil war ... pref. Pickett, Lee or Grant would be ideal. I also would be interested in any military gear from the era.

[spider_hoss]

There is so much to Lees route of retreat in VA. What about Sheridan’s ride to cut off Lee? They should mark that route in Virginia.

[ringostarrgazer]

Incredible with how intelligent Lee was to be so blind to the absolute evil he fought to uphold. He was at the head of the darkest chapter in our history.

[David-yvow]

I challenge the notion that Union soldiers sought to destroy Richmond for four years, rather, they “sought to occupy Richmond”, may have been a better description.

[HelmetOfHonor]

RIP Dr. Robertson and David McCullough