150 years ago today: the Civil War came to an effective end in the western theater as the Army of Tennessee was roundly defeated at The Battle Of Nashville. A cannonade and citywide tolling of bells will be taking place on the afternoon of the 16th to commemorate the battle's end.

A special remembrance for Pri. Marvin Spoor, 89th Ill, Co C, Streight's Brigade... my great-great grandfather (seen here in his convalescence, wearing his Grand Army of the Republic badge). During the battle in 1864, he was engaged on the eastern flank near Peach Orchard Hill, where the heaviest casualties were inflicted on Federal forces on that day -- many of them US Colored Troops in Steedman's division.