The History Behind the Appomattox Writing Desk

A Desk That Witnessed History

On April 9, 1865, General Robert E. Lee surrendered to General Ulysses S. Grant in the parlor of Wilmer McLean's home at Appomattox Court House, Virginia. In that room sat a small, elegant writing desk — the very surface upon which the terms of surrender were discussed.

The Original Piece

The Appomattox Writing Desk is a masterwork of colonial-era craftsmanship. Its design reflects the refined sensibilities of 18th-century Virginia furniture making: clean lines, thoughtful proportions, and joinery that has endured for centuries. The desk features a slant-top lid that opens to reveal a fitted interior with small drawers and compartments — a workspace designed for the era of quill and inkwell.

Why I Recreate It

This desk represents everything I believe about woodworking: that furniture can be more than functional, it can be a connection to something larger than ourselves. When I build a reproduction of the Appomattox Writing Desk, I'm not just copying a form — I'm preserving a tradition of craftsmanship that spans generations.

The Process

Research

Every reproduction starts with study. I work from historical photographs, museum documentation, and the techniques described by period craftsmen. The goal isn't just to make something that looks right — it needs to feel right.

Wood Selection

For the Appomattox desk, I primarily use walnut and cherry — the same species favored by Virginia cabinetmakers of the 18th century. Each board is hand-selected for grain quality and character.

Joinery

Period furniture relies on mortise-and-tenon joints, dovetails, and wooden pegs rather than modern hardware. These techniques aren't just historically accurate — they produce furniture that lasts for centuries.

Finishing

A hand-rubbed oil finish gives the wood depth and warmth that modern polyurethane can't replicate. It's slower, it's harder, but the result speaks for itself.

Commission Your Own

The Appomattox Writing Desk is one of my most requested pieces. Each one is built to order, and I'm happy to discuss customizations — from wood species to interior layout.

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Interested in a colonial reproduction? View the Writing Desk page or contact me to start your commission.