Confederate President Jefferson Davis, leaves the Confederate Capital city of Richmond, Virginia on April 2, 1865, by railroad with his cabinet, and official archives, followed by the retiring Confederate troops who ignited supplies, resulting in massive fires that destroyed approximately one-fourth of the city.
The following day, on April 3, 1865, the Union forces, took control of Richmond Virginia and President Abraham Lincoln toured the fallen city on April 4–5, 1865. The fall of Richmond effectively signaled the end of the Confederacy, as it forced General Robert E. Lee to retreat further, leading to his surrender a few days later at Appomattox Court House on April 9, 1865.
