"The Last Surrenders of the Civil War" Topic

"Appomattox.

To many Americans the word Appomattox is synonymous with the end of the Civil War.

The war, however, did not officially conclude at that tiny village west of Petersburg, Virginia. But what happened there in early April 150 years ago certainly marked the beginning of the end for the Confederacy…."

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Armand

Yes it drives me crazy in those movies when someone says "The war is over Lee surrendered." There were still several skirmishes and small battles fought after Lee surrendered and several Confederate armies in the field. Men stilled died after Appomattox.

I believe it was part of the Eastern Centrism of that time and later Civil War writers. All the best equipment, etc. went to the Army of Potomac first and then moved progressively westward. Major media was in the East and centered in Washington. Bobby Lee's Army was closer to Washington and the East, so their bogeyman.

Thanks.

Armand

True story – and Joe Johnson has to be complimented for surrendering rather than trying to fight on – at that point, there was no chance of victory and all continued fighting would have done was prolong his troops' suffering

Yes, if he and the other Confederate Commanders had not surrendered their armies, we would have ended up in a much worse situation, probably devolving into guerrilla warfare. We know what hatred and unending animosity that would have bred. Blood Kansas and Missouri, but on a much larger and more evil level.

Agree.

Armand

The C.S.S. Shenandoah was still raiding as of 08-02-1865. Oops.

(smile)

Armand