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Appomattox Court House National Historical Park
"The Sweeneys are indeed a wonder!!"
Joel Sweeney, resident of Appomattox who popularized the 5-string banjo.
NPS Collection
Joel Sweeney, resident of Appomattox popularized the 5-string banjo.

The banjo has become the quintessential American musical instrument.  It combines the traditions of the simple stringed gourd from African slaves with the ballads and tunes of the Scotch-Irish and English who settled Virginia.  Appomattox County was the birthplace of Joel Sweeney, the man who popularized the 5-string banjo. 

Group 1: Photographs of Joel Sweeney, Richard Sweeney, Sam Sweeney, and the Sweeney Banjo

Group 2: Banjos that are attributed to Joel Sweeney in the Appomattox Court House collection

Group 3:  4 string slave banjar (reproduction) 

Group 4: Traveling trunk believed to have belonged to Joel Sweeney
Drawing by Frank Vizetelly appeared in the  

Did You Know?
Sam Sweeney of Appomattox County, Virginia was the "Minstrel Man" for General J.E.B Stuart, and grew up on the grounds of what is now, Appomattox Court House National Historical Park.

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Last Updated: February 11, 2009 at 13:56 EST