Siege of Vicksburg
For many a hard fought month, Ulysses S. Grant and his Army of the Tennessee had been trying to capture the strategic Confederate river fortress of Vicksburg, Mississippi. Previously, attempts to take this important town high above the Mississippi River were blocked by rebel counter moves.
In late April 1863, Grant undertook a new and bold campaign against Vicksburg and the Confederate defenders under John Pemberton. After conducting a surprise landing below Vicksburg at Bruinsburg, Mississippi, Grant’s forces moved rapidly inland, pushing back the threat posed by Joseph E. Johnston’s forces near Jackson. Once his rear was clear, Grant again turned his sights on Vicksburg.
Union victories at Champion Hill and Big Black Bridge weakened Pemberton’s forces, leaving the Confederate chief with no alternative but to retreat to Vicksburg's defenses. The Federals assailed the Rebel stronghold on May 19 and 22, but were repulsed with such great loss that Grant determined to lay siege to the city to avoid further loss of life. Soldiers and civilians alike endured the privations of siege warfare for 47 days before the surrender of Pemberton’s forces on July 4, 1863. This has been a huge blow to the South’s chances of winning, the Union’s victory at this battle gives them control of the Mississippi river which is the the South’s main trading passage.
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