Battle for Vicksburg

During the 19th century, rivers were vital for trade and transit, and none was more important than the Mississippi, the nation’s greatest economic feature. In late 1862, Vicksburg remained the primary Confederate stronghold along the river, and Union leaders recognized its critical position and launched a campaign to strike the Confederate heartland. More than 100,000 soldiers and sailors from 28 states, North and South, fought there in 1863. After two failed assaults on Vicksburg’s defenses, Grant turned to siege tactics and Union troops kept the Confederates confined in the city for 47 days. With no hope of supplies or reinforcements from outside, Pemberton surrendered, and the Stars and Stripes flew over Vicksburg again on July 4, 1863.

Vicksburg, Mississippi · United States