After over four years of continuous Union military control, Alexandria’s military occupation ends on September 22, 1865, when the city’s night watch resumed their rounds—the first time since May 24, 1861. This symbolic return of civilian authority marked the true end of Alexandria’s unique Civil War experience as both the first Southern city occupied by Union forces and the last to end military governance. For 1,581 days, Alexandria had remained under continuous Union administration, witnessing the entire conflict from beginning to end. The restoration of the night watch represented not just the end of military occupation, but Alexandria’s transition back to civilian life after serving as a Union stronghold throughout America’s greatest trial.