Vicksburg

December 26, 1862-July 4, 1863

Objectives

• Learn why Vicksburg was so crucial to the North.

• Learn why Vicksburg was difficult to attack.• Learn how Union movements led to victory.

Control of Mississippi RiverBy the fall of 1862, Union operations had gained control of every major point along the Mississippi River except Vicksburg Mississippi. It was located on bluffs high above a sharp turn in the river.

Grant Restored to CommandOn October 26, 1862, Lincoln re-instated Grant to command in the West. In doing so, he said, “I can’t spare this man. He fights!”

Southern ForcesIn command of the Confederate forces, John C. Pemberton. Pemberton was a native of Pennsylvania, but his wife was a southerner. He had gathered a force numbering over 35,000.

Grant’s Initial PlanGrant’s plan was to move down the east bank of the Mississippi

and lay siege to Vicksburg.

ObstaclesThe area was full of bayous, swamps, mosquitoes, snakes, which made moving an army extremely difficult.

Sherman’s OperationSherman was detached from the army and crossed the Mississippi above Vicksburg, and tried yo move south, but eventually had to run past the Vicksburg defenses on ships and land way to the south of the city. He moved inland, captured Port Gibson.

Sherman’s OperationsHe then headed east capturing Raymond, Jackson, Champion’s Hill, and Big Black River. This completely cut any supply routes from the east.

Naval BlockadeAdmiral David Dixon Porter finished the blockade with gunboats

and the stage was set for a siege.

Siege BeginsOn May 18, 1863, the siege began. Heavy artillery from land and naval guns began to pound the city.

Civilians Under SiegeCivilians were forced to seek refuge in caves. Vicksburg became

known as “Prairie Dog Town”.

SurrenderPemberton knew he could get best terms on July 4, so he surrendered to Grant that day.

“Father of the Waters”When word of the surrender reached Lincoln, he said, “The Father of the Waters flows once again unvexed to the sea.”

July 4The fourth of July would not be celebrated in Vicksburg until 1944.

ResultThe Confederacy had been split in two. Two of the three war goals had been attained.