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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Fairfield Inn & Suites Lynchburg Liberty University

5/5 Excellent

Very special stay!

"My stay at this location was very nice. I had to add an extra day and the front desk staff made that seamless. The room was very quiet with very little noise heard from hallway or other rooms. The Bathroom was clean and that is most important to me. The bed was very comfortable with a variety of pillows. My favorite part was the fact that I made a new friend. Evalynn did housekeeping on my floor and complimented my perfume. I left my number for her to reach out for the information and we have become friendly and encouraging to each other. This is a very nice place to stay. And I will stay here if I'm in this area again. "

A verified traveler stayed at Fairfield Inn & Suites Lynchburg Liberty University