How the US Civil War REALLY Ended

Delayed News

The end of the Civil War was not as immediate as many believe, largely due to communication limitations. Gary Arndt explains that even though telegraphs existed in 1865, they weren't widespread, causing delays in the dissemination of crucial news. This meant that many Confederate forces continued fighting, unaware of General Lee's surrender. For instance, the Battle of Fort Blakely occurred simultaneously with Lee's surrender, and Confederate General St. John Richardson Little surrendered without knowing the war was effectively over 1.

I disband your organization in preference to surrendering it to our enemies. I am no longer your commander.

--- Gary Arndt

Additionally, Union General James H. Wilson fought the Battle of Columbus, Georgia, on April 16, unaware of Lee's surrender or Lincoln's assassination 1.

   

Navy's Delay

The Confederate Navy's actions further illustrate the prolonged end of the Civil War. The CSS Shenandoah, a Confederate ship, continued its mission against Union vessels, unaware of the war's conclusion. Gary Arndt notes that it wasn't until August 2, 1865, that the ship's crew learned of the Confederacy's collapse from a British ship 2.

On November 6, almost seven months after the surrender of General Lee in Virginia, the last Confederates surrendered to the Royal Navy.

--- Gary Arndt

The ship avoided American ports, fearing piracy charges, and eventually surrendered in Liverpool, England, marking one of the final acts of Confederate resistance 2.