ABOUT THIS BOOK

A thoroughly researched account of a memorable Civil War battle

Columbus, Georgia, 1865 is a comprehensive study of the Easter Sunday, April 16, 1865, conﬂict, which occurred in the dark of night and extended over a mile and half through a series of forts and earthworks and was ﬁnally decided in an encounter on a bridge a thousand feet in length. This volume offers the ﬁrst complete account of this battle, examining and recounting in depth not only the composition and actions of the contending forces, which numbered some three thousand men on each side, but meticulously detailing the effect of the engagement on the city of Columbus and its environs.

Misulia’s study ﬁlls in an omission in the grand account of our cataclysmic national struggle and adds a signiﬁcant chapter to the history of an important regional city. In addition, Misulia takes on the long-vexing question of which encounter should be recognized as the last battle of the Civil War and argues persuasively that Columbus, Georgia, qualiﬁes for this distinction on a number of counts.

AUTHOR BIOGRAPHY

Charles A. Misulia is a Florida attorney and the president of Veteran Arms, LLC, a Georgia-based company specializing in reproductions of historical ﬁrearms. He works extensively with historical film, television, and theatrical productions.

REVIEWS

“There is no arguing that Charles A. Misulia's position is thoroughly researched, organized, and thought out. Columbus Georgia, 1865 is a fine addition to the continuing war of words that the American Civil War has become.”
—On Point, The Journal of Army History

“Columbus, Georgia 1865: The Last True Battle of the Civil War is one of those refreshing and rare books in the veritable flood of Civil War-related literature, one that truly offers something new for readers. Far from yet another attempt at reinterpreting oft-repeated information, author Charles Misulia explores in an engaging fashion a little-known story that has received surprisingly scant scholarly attention. The book is thoroughly researched, comprehensive in scope and content, and well written.”
—Georgia Historical Quarterly

“Misulia's excellent research and clear prose make for an enjoyable and instructive read. His narrative clearly follows the action from Alabama to Georgia and then focuses on Columbus. His passion for the subject helps the story, and his work, if viewed as local history, is outstanding. . . . Overall, Misulia provides a well-crafted story that allows those interested in the Civil War to delve into battlefield tactics, broader strategies, soldiers' experiences, and civilian concerns at a transitional period from wartime to postwar reconstruction.”
—The Alabama Review

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"With his book, Columbus Georgia 1865: The Last True Battle of the Civil War, Misulia has filled a void in Civil War literature too long overshadowed and overlooked. His book rightly deserves its place on the bookshelves of Civil War scholars and enthusiasts alike, alongside other histories of Civil War battles such as Shiloh, Antietam, Gettysburg and Chickamauga."
—Civil War Notebook

“Charles Misulia's lasting contribution is that of a deeply researched and expertly written battle history that will likely stand the test of time. Columbus, Georgia 1865 is highly recommended reading for students of western theater battles and those with a special interest in the waning moments of the conflict.”
—Civil War Books and Authors

“A lean, well-written, compelling narrative of the Battle of Columbus, Georgia. It begins with the larger context of James H. Wilson’s massive cavalry campaign through Alabama and Georgia in the waning days of the war, and carries the story through the destruction of Columbus by Wilson’s troops in the aftermath of the battle on April 16, 1865. It is so detailed, deeply researched, and meticulous that I feel completely confident in declaring that it will be the definitive account of this battle.”
—Lawrence F. Kohl, editor of The Irish Brigade and Its Campaigns and The Story of the 116th Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteers in the War of the Rebellion

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

List of Illustrations

Preface

Acknowledgments

1. Wilson’s Raid

2. The Road to Columbus

3. Gathering Darkness on the Chattahoochee

4. Conflict on the Horizon: Week One

5. The Enemy Approaches: Week Two

6. Time Runs Out

7. The Battle Begins: Crawford and Uchee Creek

8. The Fight for the City Bridge

9. The Lost Brigade

10. The Stage Is Set

11. The Night Attack: Assault on Fort 3

12. The Night Attack: “A Speedy Journey to Hell”

13. The Night Attack: “Then Commenced the Rough and Tumble Fight”

14. The Night Attack: The Battle Concludes

15. The Conflagration Begins

16. Laid in Ruins

17. Evacuation of Columbus

18. Aftermath

Appendix 1: The Last Real Battle of the Civil War

Appendix 2: Structure of Wilson’s Cavalry Corps

Appendix 3: Order of Battle, April 16, 1865

Appendix 4: Casualties at the Battle for Columbus

Appendix 5: Medal of Honor Recipients

Appendix 6: Discovering the Battle for Columbus

Notes

Bibliographic Essay

Index