Cameron County, TX | May 12 - 13, 1865 Considered the final battle in the Civil War, Confederate forces under Col. John S. “Rip” Ford defeated Union forces under Col. Theodore H. Barrett at Palmito Ranch, Texas, from May 12 to 13, 1865. How It Ended Confederate Victory. After fighting for most of the 12th and 13th, Col. Theodore H. Barrett withdrew his worn-out command a few miles from Palmito Ranch along a bend near the Rio Grande River. At 4:00 pm, a large Confederate cavalry force, commanded by Col. John S. “Rip” Ford, approached, and the Federals formed a battle line. The Southern forces hammered the Union line with artillery, and Barrett ordered a retreat, ending the last battle in the Civil War. In Context In mid-May of 1865, Col. Theodore H. Barrett, commanding forces in Brazos Santiago, Texas, decided to dispatch a 500-man column to attack Confederate outposts and camps in the area. Despite Barrett knowing about Robert E. Lee’s surrender, the column moved towards White and Palmito Ranches, where they hoped to destroy a sizable Confederate camp. From: American Battlefield Trust, with thanks (fb)

Remembering… Wishing all mothers & sisters & aunts & cousins & much loved family a very happy Mother’s Day! (fb)