(Washington, D.C.) - The Civil War Trust, the nation's largest nonprofit battlefield preservation organization, is pleased to announce the release of the latest addition to its series of Battle App™ guides optimized for iOS and Android devices. The Appomattox Battle App™ guide focuses on the final military actions in the war's Eastern Theater, culminating in the surrender of the Army of Northern Virginia on April 9, 1865. To date, more than 110,000 users have downloaded the 10 titles in the growing Battle App™ guide series.
"The way that technology makes us able to bring history to your fingertips is truly amazing," said Trust president James Lighthizer. "We're thrilled that individuals interested in Civil War history who visit Appomattox - or even those taking a virtual trip from their living rooms - will have the opportunity to take advantage of this unique resource."
Features in the Appomattox Battle App™ guide enhance visitors' experiences at the site, placing history in their hands. The resources available through the guide allow users to move at their own leisure through the site - especially the GPS-enabled maps, which work well for self-guided tours. Field Glasses™ augmented reality viewer displays virtual markers on the modern landscape throughout the site, keying visitors in to important places on the grounds. Time phased maps depict the precise locations associated with the final phases of fighting the military surrender process. The Virtual Signs offering provides access to accounts and videos from battlefield experts to add to the educational experience at the site. Other features in the app consist of trivia challenges, orders of battle, chronologies and a facts page.
The Civil War Trust continues working to develop more Battle App™ guide offerings thanks in part to the support of the Virginia Department of Transportation and the Trust's technology partner, NeoTreks, Inc. The Appomattox Battle App™ guide was also made possible with the support of the staffs of Appomattox Court House National Historical Park and History Associates, Inc. For more information about the content, use and availability of GPS-enable Civil War Trust Battle App™ guides for Apple devices and Android phones, please visit www.civilwar.org/battleapps.
The Battles of Appomattox Station and Appomattox Court House served as a final blow to the Army of Northern Virginia. After the fall of Petersburg and Richmond on April 2, chances of continued resistance from the Confederates further deteriorated when Union Maj. Gen. George Custer captured a supply train and burned three others containing supplies destined for the weary Southern army. The Battle of Appomattox Station, on April 8, pitted artillery fighting without infantry support against cavalry units. The next day, Union forces commanded by Lt. Gen. Ulysses S. Grant surrounded Gen. Robert E. Lee and the Army of Northern Virginia. In an attempt to break through the Union line and reach supplies in Lynchburg, Lee readied his men for one final battle, but it proved futile. On April 9, 1865, Lee surrendered the Army of Northern Virginia at the McLean House near Appomattox Court House - ultimately sealing the fate of the Confederacy. A formal ceremony followed on April 12.
The Civil War Trust is the largest nonprofit battlefield preservation organization in the United States. Its mission is to preserve our nation's endangered Civil War battlefields and to promote appreciation of these hallowed grounds. To date, the Trust has preserved more than 35,000 acres of battlefield land in 20 states. Learn more at www.civilwar.org, the home of the Civil War sesquicentennial.