When did the American Civil War end?

The U.S. Civil War ended on April 9, 1865, when Confederate General Robert E. Lee surrendered to Union General Ulysses S. Grant at Appomattox Court House, VA. Some fighting continued after this date, but this is considered the official end of the war.

In early 1865, Union and Confederate forces battled near Petersburg, VA. On March 25, 1865 General Grant launched a new attack. General Lee evacuated Petersburg on April 2, 1865 and warned Confederate President Jefferson Davis to leave Richmond, VA. On the morning of April 9, 1865 Lee attempted to break through Union forces blocking a route west to Danville, VA., but when that failed, he met with Grant to discuss the terms of surrender.