The initial engagement on July 21, 1861 of what would become the First Battle of Bull Run (First Manassas) took place on McLean's farm in Manassas, Virginia. Union Army artillery fired at McLean's house, which was being used as a headquarters for Confederate Brigadier General P. G. T. Beauregard, and a cannonball dropped through the kitchen fireplace.

McLean was a retired major in the Virginia militia, but at 47, he was too old to return to active duty at the outbreak of the Civil War. In the spring of 1863, he and his family moved about 120 miles south to Appomattox County, Virginia, near a dusty, crossroads community called Appomattox Court House.

On April 9, 1865, the war revisited McLean. Confederate General Robert E. Lee was about to surrender to Lieutenant General Ulysses S. Grant. He sent a messenger to Appomattox Court House to find a place to meet. On April 8, 1865, the messenger knocked on McLean's door and requested the use of his home, to which McLean reluctantly agreed. Lee surrendered to Grant in the parlor of McLean's house, effectively ending the Civil War. Later, McLean is supposed to have said "The war began in my front yard and ended in my front parlor."

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Top Piney Mountain Hotel Reviews

Hampton Inn & Suites Lynchburg

10/10 Excellent

"Every aspect of our stay at The Hampton Inn & Suites, Lynchburg, Virginia was top notch. The Staff were very professional as well as polite and helpful. Front Desk gets an A+ and Danial from Maintenance was terrific. Breakfast was better than most restaurants with lots of healthy choices, but the omelets and sausages were our favorites. Even the coffee was great. We come to Lynchburg for family events, and we've now found a great place to stay. I spent 15 years working with the Hospitality Industry and Hilton is still the best, in service, quality and staff. We'll be back, for sure. (We're now in the Hilton Honors Program). Thank you, Philip, and Summer, and Danial. Mac & Joy Thacher"

Microtel Inn & Suites By Wyndham Lynchburg

10/10 Excellent

"First rate. Property in rooms immaculately clean - including the parking lot! Both the front desk is staff, and the housekeeping staff are friendly, helpful, and very efficient in every respect that I needed including at 3 AM one night. Highly recommended: an excellence price for staff quality relationship."