Real Stories Of Appomattox County Appomattox History Tours & Museum

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In Appomattox VA, there’s more to every story

Telling Appomattox stories from the Civil War to the Civil Rights movement

150 years ago, Appomattox VA became a national symbol of hope and change. Since then our entire world has been touched by the battle of Appomattox, the signing of the peace treaty at Appomattox Court House, and the challenging road from enslavement to modern civil rights.

Appomattox History Tours & Museum strives to uncover and share the personal stories behind the history of the Civil War to Civil Rights. From white slave owners and the enslaved to Confederate soldiers and Union soldiers – the battle of Appomattox and the peace treaty at Appomattox Court House changed lives. You’ll discover little-known personal stories and understand how their effects are still felt to this day.

We’ll journey through Appomattox VA to the famed Appomattox Court House National Park, hearing the thrilling tales behind the area’s history.

Expect to go deeper than dates and learn more than dry facts when you book an Appomattox VA bus tour or visit our virtual Appomattox Civil War to Civil Rights Museum. You’ll explore the riveting stories that have woven the fascinating tale of Appomattox VA from the Civil War to Civil Rights.

man behind desk with flags speaking at a meeting
Al Jones presiding at an Appomattox County Board of Supervisors meeting.

Appomattox History Tours & Museum share the real stories behind the history.

A local historian dedicated to uncovering Appomattox VA’s incredible past

Rev. Alfred L. Jones III is deeply interested in the personal histories of the people of Appomattox, both during the Civil War and over the past 150 years of the Civil Rights movement. That profound love of stories and history has led to incredible historical discoveries and priceless genealogical research that link the Appomattox citizens of 1865 to the place it is today.

Rev. Jones holds a BA in Social Studies from Lynchburg College and has completed extensive graduate classes in History. He taught Social Studies for Appomattox County Public Schools from 1999 to 2011, bringing local history to life for his students. He founded the Jesus Center Church of Appomattox, which he pastored for 40 years (from 1980 to 2020). As part of his mission, he continues to minister to and encourage pastors.

Portrait of man with thick dark beard and dark hair in uniform.
Dr. Benjamin Williams, the Surgeon of the Eighth Main Union Army who gave Hannah Medical Treatment.

Making Headlines While Chasing History

A startling discovery about a local enslaved woman

Rev. Alfred L. Jones III has been nationally recognized for his painstaking research into the life and death of Hannah Reynolds, a woman enslaved in Appomattox VA in the household of Samuel Coleman. Hannah was struck by a cannonball during the battle at Appomattox while in the Coleman home, and it was assumed for over a century that she died immediately as a slave, just hours before the Civil War peace treaty was signed.

But with diligent research and relentless dedication to uncovering the truth, Rev. Jones discovered that Hannah didn’t die until days after the peace treaty was signed, meaning she died as a free woman.

This discovery had a profound effect on Appomattox VA, making national and international waves. Read more about Rev. Jones’s remarkable discovery from these trusted news outlets:

man with thick beard in uniform
The Eighth Main Union Army Chaplain, Rev. John E. M. Wright, prayed with Hannah and her Husband after her Injury.

Rev. Alfred L. Jones' Experience & Qualifications

  • Living History for Appomattox Court House National Park: 2023-Present
    • Over 6,000 likes on Facebook
  • Appomattox County Board of Supervisors: Jan. 2022-Present
  • Pastor Emeritus Jesus Center Church, Appomattox, VA – Consulting Pastor: 2020-Present
  • Farmers Bank Board of Directors: 2014-Present
  • Appomattox County School Board: Jan. 2014-April 2021
  • Founder & Pastor of the Jesus Center Church, Appomattox, VA: April 1980-April 2020
  • Appomattox County Public Schools Social Studies-High School: Aug. 1999-June 2011
  • Director Appomattox County Youth Services: Dec. 1992-Aug. 1999