Three days after Robert E. Lee’s surrender to Ulysses S. Grant at Appomattox on April 9, 1865, Confederate infantry proceeded down what would become known as Surrender Avenue to lay down their battle flags and stack their rifles and accouterments and receive parole; many proceeded to walk home, as it was their only means of transport. Weary Union troops gathered at either side of the road silently to honor the Southern forces and to accept their submission. “The war is over,” Grant told his troops shortly after the surrender. “The Rebels are our countrymen again”