After the Confederacy had surrendered and the war was over, CSS Shenandoah continued to sink Northern Union ships in the Pacific and off Alaska, unaware of the war's end. She surrendered on 6th November 1865, to HMS Donegal in the River Mersey at Liverpool while at anchor between Toxteth and Tranmere, six months after the war had officially ended. Shenandoah lowered the stainless banner - striking her colours - for the second time. The last military act of the American Civil War, and the very last official lowering of the Confederate flag.
To commemorate the 150th anniversary of this event there will be a number of events in Liverpool in November 2105.
The 290 Foundation will be holding a service of commemoration at the Pier Head at 10.30 on 6th November followed by a lunch in a local hotel (pay your own) and this event is open to everyone.
Although it has not been finalised, a tour of the Merseyside ACW connection will take place on Saturday 7th . This event is open to all.
You can see more about the 290 Foundation events in Liverpool by clicking here.
If there are sufficient ACWRT members who will be in Liverpool on 5th November, we can organise a dinner and Leonard Elison, one of our members who lives locally, is prepared to give an illustrated talk on the Merseyside ACW connections.
If you plan to make it a long weekend, there are even more things to do which you can see by looking at this website.
More info on the "Home of the Confederate Fleet" can be obtained by clicking here
So, lots happening and if you do want to attend these events, we suggest you book some accommodation as the events will run over the 5th November weekend.
If you will be going to Liverpool and you would like to join up with your fellow ACWRT members and attend the dinner and talk, please let us know by email by 21st August 2015 at the latest so we can get things organised.