Battle of Palmito Ranch

Barrett's Unexplained Attack

Union Colonel Theodore H. Barrett ordered an attack on a Confederate camp near Fort Brown for unknown reasons. Barrett was newly assigned to command an all-black unit and had never been involved in combat before. He was anxious for higher rank and volunteered for the newly raised colored regiments. In 1863 he became colonel of the 1st Missouri Colored Infantry. The regiment became the 62nd U.S.C.T. Regiment in March 184. Barrett contracted malaria in Louisiana that summer while on convalescent leave. He joined the 62nd at Los Brazos de Santiago in February 1865. His detractors claimed he desired battlefield glory before the war ended altogether. Others suggested Barrett needed horses for the 300 unmounted cavalrymen in his brigade. Louis J. Schuler asserted Brigadier General Egbert B. Brown ordered the expedition to seize cotton stored in Brownsville. Brown was not even appointed to command at Brazos Santiago until later in May. Historian Jerry Thompson stated honor and money were at stake. Ford insisted the dignity and manhood of his men had to be defended. A large quantity of Richard King and Mifflin Kenedy's cotton waited in Brownsville.

When did the Battle of Palmito Ranch take place?

The Battle of Palmito Ranch occurred on the 12th of May 1865. This engagement took place near Fort Brown in southern Texas.

Who commanded Union forces at the Battle of Palmito Ranch?

Union Colonel Theodore H. Barrett led the attack with troops from the 62nd U.S.C.T. Regiment and the 34th Indiana Infantry. Barrett had previously served as colonel of the 1st Missouri Colored Infantry since 1863.

What were the casualty figures for the Battle of Palmito Ranch?

Historian Jerry D. Thompson determined that Union losses totaled four killed, 12 wounded, and 101 captured during the battle. Confederate casualties included one killed, seven wounded, and 22 captured by the 2nd Texas Cavalry Battalion.

Why was the Battle of Palmito Ranch fought after the Civil War ended elsewhere?

Confederate Major General John G. Walker rejected a ceasefire agreement proposed by Union Major General Lew Wallace on the 11th of March 1865. Union Colonel Theodore H. Barrett ordered an attack on Confederate camps near Fort Brown despite the unofficial truce holding along the lower Rio Grande Valley.

Is the Battle of Palmito Ranch considered the last battle of the American Civil War?

Union Private John J. Williams of the 34th Indiana Infantry Regiment is believed to have been the last man killed during the engagement. This event occurred on the 12th of May 1865 before Confederate forces officially surrendered in June 1865.

Battle of Palmito Ranch.

Barrett's Unexplained Attack

Tactics On Palmito Hill

The Last Death And Confusion

Surrender And Occupation

Preserving The Battlefield

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