April 16, 1865

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he Battle of Columbus hinged on control of the two covered bridges that connected Girard, Alabama to Columbus, Georgia across the Chattahoochee River; in order to prevent access to Columbus, Confederates set fire to the lower bridge (right)

he Battle of Columbus hinged on control of the two covered bridges that connected Girard, Alabama to Columbus, Georgia across the Chattahoochee River; in order to prevent access to Columbus, Confederates set fire to the lower bridge (right)

The Battle of Columbus

The Battle of Columbus is also known as the Battle of Girard, Alabama (now Phenix City). Several authorities claim Columbus should be classified as the last battle of the Civil War.

The Battle of Columbus, Georgia (April 16, 1865), was the last conflict in the Union campaign through Alabama and Georgia, known as Wilson’s Raid, in the final phase of the American Civil War.

Union General James H. Wilson led the attack on Columbus.

Union General James H. Wilson led the attack on Columbus

Maj. Gen. James H. Wilson had been ordered to destroy the city of Columbus as a major Confederate manufacturing center. He exploited enemy confusion when troops from both sides crowded on to the same bridge in the dark, and the garrison withheld its cannon fire. Next morning, Wilson laid waste to the city and took many prisoners.

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