The Fall of Richmond, Virginia

April 2, 1865

This Currier and Ives lithograph depicits the burning and evacuation of the Confederate Capitol.  After the Confederate defeat at Five Forks, General Lee informed Confederate President Jefferson Davis that the North would be moving against Richmond soon.  Much of the city’s white population fled the city, but before withdrawing, the Confederate army set fire to warehouses along the riverfornt to keep their contents out of Union hands.  On April 4th, President Lincoln entered the city triumphant.  Ten days later Lee rode into the city on “Traveler”, in defeat, on his way home.

Received from Missouri on 11 August 2011