The Last Siege: The Mobile Campaign, Alabama 1865

It has long been acknowledged that Gen. Robert E. Lee’s surrender at the Battle of Appomattox ended the civil war in Virginia in April of 1865. However, the last siege of the war was the Mobile campaign, an often-overlooked battle that was nevertheless crucial to securing a complete victory. Indeed, the final surrender of Confederate forces happened in Alabama.

The Last Siege explores the events surrounding the Union Army’s capture of Mobile and offers a new perspective on its strategic importance, including access to vital rail lines and two major river systems. Included are accounts of Union and Confederate camp life in the weeks prior to the invasion, cavalry operations of both sides during the expedition, the Federal feint movement at Cedar Point, the crippling effect of torpedoes on US naval operations in Mobile Bay, the treadway escape from Spanish Fort, and the evacuation of Mobile.  Evidence is presented that contradicts the popular notion that Mobile welcomed the Federals as a pro-Union town.

The Confederate soldiers in Alabama fought to the last with sophisticated military tactics in the Confederacy’s last campaign, which led to the final surrender at Citronelle in May.

About the Speaker

As a lifelong resident of the Gulf Coast, Paul Brueske became fascinated with studying local Civil War history, in particular the 1865 campaign for Mobile. His first book, The Last Siege, is a result of many years of research on the Mobile Campaign. He founded the Mobile Civil War Round Table and regularly gives talks on Civil War topics. He is currently the Head Track & Field Coach at the University of South Alabama. He is a member of the Friends of Historic Blakeley State Park, Mobile Historical Society, and the Mobile Optimist Club.

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