On Wednesday, April 12, 1865 at Appomattox Court House the Army of Northern Virginia marched into that village to formally surrender its arms and battle flags. Federal troops led by General Joshua Chamberlain lined the way; at first the Confederates thought the Union troops were there to humiliate them. However, they soon realized that the Federals were at full attention. They were there not to humiliate but rather to honor the troops who had so bravely opposed them for some four and one-half years. Realizing that fact, the Confederates immediately closed ranks, straightened tattered uniforms, and proudly with tears in many a man’s eyes marched into Appomattox, laying down their arms and unit flags until only Federal colors met the sky. It was a dignified ceremony between fellow brothers at arms.
00000174-b11b-ddc3-a1fc-bfdbb1a20000The Schreiner University Department of History is honoring the sesquicentennial of the American Civil War with a series of short vignettes focusing on events from 1861 through 1865. The Civil War was the most destructive conflict in American history, but it was also one of our most defining moments as a people and as a nation. Let us know what you think about "This Week in the Civil War." E-mail your comments to Dr. John Huddleston at jhuddles@schreiner.edu.Airs: Weekdays at 5:19 a.m., 8:19 a.m., 4:19 p.m. on KTXI and 4:49 a.m., 9:29 p.m. on KSTX.