The Mine Explosion

After weeks of digging with picks and shovels, Union fatigue parties reached the Third Louisiana Redan and excavated a tunnel underneath the fort, where the Federals planted 2,200 lbs. of black powder and detonated the mine on the afternoon of June 25, 1863. In a column of flame and dirt, men, wagons, mules, and artillery were blown skyward. Union soldiers led by the 45th Illinois Infantry surged into the crater and attempted to exploit the breech in the Confederate works, but fighting raged for 26 hours before the assault was driven back. A second though smaller mine was exploded on July 1, and seven blacks working in the countershafts were buried. One slave was blown clear and landed behind Union lines; when asked how high he had gone, he replied "about 3 miles," and became known as the man who was blown to freedom. No infantry assault followed this explosion. Three days later on July 4, Grant and a portion of his victorious army marched in along the Jackson Road and took possession of Vicksburg, pocketing the key to Union victory.

Vicksburg, Mississippi · United States