Battle of Palmito Hill - Brownsville, Texas
Posted by: 
The A-Team
N 25° 57.572 W 097° 18.210
14R E 669855 N 2872303
A small interpretive site for the Battle of Palmito Hill, which is considered to be the last battle of the Civil War, is tucked away off the highway. It's located near the north end of Palmito Hill Road near Brownsville, Texas.
Waymark Code: WM18V9T
Location: Texas, United States
Date Posted: 09/29/2023
Views: 0
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. From the platform, you can look out over the core battlefield area.
Name of Battle:
Battle of Palmito Hill or Battle of Palmito Ranch
Name of War: American Civil War
Entrance Fee: 0.00 (listed in local currency)
Parking: N 25° 57.554 W 097° 18.191
Date(s) of Battle (Beginning): 05/12/1865
Date of Battle (End): 05/13/1865
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Visit Instructions:
Post a photo of you in front of a sign or marker posted at the site of the battle (or some other way to indicate you have personally visited the site.
In addition it is encouraged to take a few photos of the surrounding area and interesting features at the site.
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