The Civil War officially ended in April 1865—but weeks later, fighting broke out anyway near Brownsville. The final battle of the war happened after surrender, and the side that already lost still walked away victorious. Texas history is never as simple as we’re taught. last battle of the civil war palmito ranch battle texas civil war history forgotten texas history civil war texas brownsville texas history confederate last battle american civil war facts hidden texas stories u.s. history you we