Last Battle of the Civil War

Ironically, there is a battle as to what was the last battle (or major battle) of the Civil War.  It might be Bentonville, NC or Palmito Ranch, TX, or Columbus, GA.  But since we’re in Alabama, we’re going to say it was at Fort Blakeley.  It was fought on the same day that General Lee surrendered at Appomattox but without cell phones or the internet the news didn’t get to Alabama quick enough to stop the battle!

 

The site has a dirt and wood redoubt (a fort system outside the main fort) for both the Union and the Confederates. 

The park also has this large oak tree.  The legend is that Confederate soldiers hid here after the battle.

The part I found amusing was the write up we received to describe the battle.  Everything was about how brave the Confederates were but that the North just had too many soldiers.  About the Confederates, “…southern troops were on continuous duty with little rest, fighting all day and repairing the damaged works at night….First Missouri Brigade, a unit famous since the Vicksburg Campaign…veteran cannoneers….Though most of the efforts failed, favorable results were obtained by making the Yankees overly cautious…Rebels in the woods rallied and continued firing…”  About the North, “…the guns in this position were silenced by the superior shell fire of Confederate Artillery… began taking casualties…they immediately drew fire from the Rebel rifle pits…”

It’s all about your point of view!