Stacking Arms: Conclusion

Posted on May 28, 2025

Over the last few weeks, the writers here at Emerging Civil War have recognized the 160th anniversary of the war’s conclusion – or at least the end of organized combat during the Civil War – through our Stacking Arms series.

Across 18 posts, we’ve covered everything from Virginia to New Mexico, including surrenders by both Union and Confederate troops, explored What-Ifs of Appomattox, and considered when capturing the enemy might not have been the goal.

We hope you’ve enjoyed this series, learned something along the way, and maybe even shared your favorite post with a friend.

In case you missed some of them, here are all of the posts in one place:

Stacking Arms: An Introduction

Stacking Arms “What Ifs?” – Episode I: “What If” A Hungry Army Had Been Fed at Amelia Court House? by Kevin Donovan

Stacking Arms “What Ifs?” – Episode II: “What If” Grant Had Shared Stonewall Jackson’s Fate During Grant’s Own Risky Nighttime Ride During the Appomattox Campaign? by Kevin Donovan

Stacking Arms: The Question of Surrendering Black Merchant Sailors by Neil Chatelain

Stacking Arms “What Ifs?” – Episode III: “What If” An Ill & Frustrated Grant Had Broken Off Surrender Negotiations With Lee? by Kevin Donovan

Stacking Arms: The Surrender at Arkansas Post by Brian Kowell

Stacking Arms “What Ifs?” – Episode IV: “What If” Sheridan Had Gotten His Way & Launched the Final Assault Upon Lee’s Army at Appomattox Court House? by Kevin Donovan

Stacking Arms: The Cockade City Unravels by Aaron Stoyack

Stacking Arms “What Ifs?” – Episode V: “What If” Robert E. Lee Had Died at Appomattox Court House? by Kevin Donovan

Stacking Arms “What Ifs?” – Episode VI: “What If” the Army of Northern Virginia Had Opted for Guerrilla Warfare? by Kevin Donovan