Philadelphia Marks 150th Anniversary Of The Surrender Which Brought Nation's Civil War To An End
By Mark Abrams
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- Philadelphia marked the 150th anniversary of the surrender which brought the nation's four-year civil war to an end.
With the Liberty Bell as a backdrop and the pealing of the Centennial Bell in the tower of Independence Hall, re-enactors joined staff at Independence National Historical Park in commemorating the anniversary of Robert E. Lee's surrender to Ulysses Grant at Appomattox Courthouse in Virginia.
"While Lee's surrender did not end the Civil War, the act is seen by most Americans as the effective end of four years military conflict and bloodshed. It resulted in the liberation of almost four million people from chattel slavery and marked the beginning of the reunification of the states in the union," said Park Superintendent Cynthia MacLeod.
MacLeod says Pennsylvanians and Philadelphians were among the Union soldiers present for the historic moment and there were celebrations outside Independence Hall when word of the surrender was received here.