Battle of Palmito Ranch facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Battle of Palmito Ranch
Part of the Trans-Mississippi Theater of the American Civil War
Sketch map of battle
Date May 12–13, 1865 Location Cameron County, Texas Result Confederate victory
Belligerents
United States (Union)	CSA (Confederacy)
Commanders and leaders
Theodore H. Barrett	John "Rip" Ford
Units involved
2nd Texas United States Cavalry (dismounted) 62nd Regiment U.S. Colored Troops 34th Indiana Veteran Volunteer Infantry	2nd Texas Confederate Cavalry Regiment Gidding's Regiment Anderson's Battalion Benavides' Regiment
Strength
500	300
Casualties and losses
4-30 killed 12 wounded 101 captured	5–6 wounded 3 captured

The Battle of Palmito Ranch is often called the very last battle of the American Civil War. It happened on May 12 and 13, 1865. This was more than a month after the main Confederate army had already surrendered. The battle took place in Cameron County, Texas, near the Rio Grande river. Even though the war was mostly over, this fight still happened, leading to a Confederate victory.

Why Did the Battle of Palmito Ranch Happen?

For a while, the Union and Confederate armies in southern Texas had a quiet agreement. They weren't fighting each other. This unofficial truce had been in place since early 1865.

However, a new Union officer named Colonel Theodore H. Barrett arrived. He had never been in a battle before. For reasons that are still unclear, he decided to order an attack. His target was a Confederate camp near Fort Brown.

What Happened During the Battle?

On May 12, 1865, Union soldiers attacked the Confederate camp. They managed to capture a few prisoners. But the next day, the Confederates fought back strongly. Colonel John Salmon Ford led the Confederate forces.

The Union soldiers were pushed back near Palmito Ranch. They were surprised by powerful artillery fire. Some people believe this artillery came from the French Army. The French were occupying a Mexican town nearby called Matamoros.

The battle ended with a victory for the Confederate side.

Who Was the Last Soldier to Die?

It's hard to know the exact number of soldiers hurt or killed in this battle. However, it is believed that Union Private John J. Williams was the last soldier killed. He was part of the 34th Indiana Infantry Regiment. This means he might have been the very last person to die in the entire American Civil War.

Images for kids

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  Marker on Texas State Highway 4

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  Map of Palmito Ranch Battlefield core and study areas by the American Battlefield Protection Program

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  John J. Williams, the presumed last soldier to die in the American Civil War

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  Texas historical marker