Last Battle of the Civil War
Posted by: 
The A-Team
N 25° 57.575 W 097° 18.203
14R E 669867 N 2872309
This marker is tucked away off the highway at a small interpretive site for the Battle of Palmito Hill, which is considered to be the last battle of the Civil War. It's located near the north end of Palmito Hill Road near Brownsville, Texas.
Waymark Code: WM18V5M
Location: Texas, United States
Date Posted: 09/28/2023
Views: 3
On April 9, 1865, Confederate General Robert E. Lee surrendered at Appomattox Court House, Virginia, effectively ending the American Civil War. However, forces continued to surrender for over two months, and tensions remained high between the sides.
On May 12, 1865, Union Colonel Theodore H. Barrett launched an attack on a Confederate camp east of Brownsville, Texas, in what is now known as the Battle of Palmito Hill or the Battle of Palmito Ranch. The reason for the attack remains unknown.
After fierce fighting on May 13, Barrett's Union forces retreated to the east, and 50 members were captured. The battle was recorded as a Confederate victory, and is generally regarded as the last battle of the Civil War. While casualty records weren't dependable, it's believed that Union Private John J. Williams of the 34th Indiana Infantry Regiment was the last man killed in the battle, and therefore the last man killed in the American Civil War.
Today, the battlefield is designated as the Palmito Ranch Battlefield National Historic Landmark. The battlefield area remains largely untouched, with much of the marshy plain still as it was in 1865. A small, slightly-elevated viewing platform and parking lot are located on the west side of Palmito Hill Road, along with some interpretive panels and a Texas Historical Marker. The original 1936 marker seems to have gone missing, and has been replaced by a replica. From the platform, you can look out over the core battlefield area.
Marker Number: 16054
Marker Text:
At This Site
The Last Battle of the Civil War, known as Palmito Hill, was fought by Confederate troops under Colonel John S. (Rip) Ford and Union forces on May 13, 1865, 34 Days after Lee's surrender at Appomattox.
Erected by the State of Texas
1936
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