Appomattox River, River in central Virginia, United States.
The Appomattox River is a waterway in central Virginia that flows from the northeast part of Appomattox County through rolling terrain toward lower elevations. It joins the James River at City Point in Hopewell, where the two meet.
The river played a role in the American Civil War in 1865 when Confederate forces attempted to destroy the High Bridge crossing after Petersburg fell to Union troops. This moment marks a significant turning point in the war's final chapter in the region.
The river takes its name from the Appomattocs, a Native American people who lived along the lower banks in the 1600s. Visitors can learn about this heritage through local stories and museum exhibits that document their presence in the region.
The section below Abutment Dam in Matoaca has several spots where visitors can access the water for fishing and other activities. Conditions vary along the river, so it is worth checking local information before heading out.
From the 1700s until the 1800s, the river served as a trading route where flat-bottomed boats carried goods from Farmville downriver to Petersburg. Few visitors realize this waterway was once a busy commercial thoroughfare that shaped the area's economy.
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