By April 1865, the Confederate army was in full retreat after losing its capital of Richmond and neighboring Petersburg. The end came when General Lee’s army was trying to move south and join other Confederate forces but was unable to continue due to lack of food and other supplies. At Appomattox Courthouse he was surrounded and forced to surrender his army of over 25,000 men. The surrender took place at a residence known as the McLean House on April 9, 1865.