The Battle of Vicksburg

Posted in Anniversary, Famous battles on Saturday, 7 May 2011

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18 May marks the anniversary of the Battle of Vicksburg during the American Civil War in 1863.

Union Major General Ulysses S. Grant and his army of the Tennessee, crossed the Mississippi River, driving the Confederate army under Lieutenant General John C. Pemberton back to the fortress city of Vicksburg.

picture, Battle of Vicksburg, siege, gunships, American Civil War, Ulysses S. Grant

Union gunships on the Mississippi River besiege the fortress town of Vicksburg. Illustration by Angus McBride

After two major assaults were repulsed with heavy casualties, Grant decided to besiege the city from 25 May. With no supplies and no reinforcements, the Confederates held out for 40 days but were forced to surrender on 4 July. Along with the capitulation of Port Hudson on 9 July, this gave command of the Mississippi River to the Union.

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