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Vicksburg Mississippi: Grant's Victory and the Loss of the Mississippi River
We left the trace at Port Gibson, also known for its antebellum architecture. Grant's army made an amphibian assault across the Mississippi near the town on May 1, 1863.
After the battle he went towards Jackson, Mississippi via the Natchez Trace instead of hitting Vicksburg immediately.
Vicksburg was considered the Citadel of the Mississippi. The fortifications made passing it on the river almost impossible, even though five Union ships did so under the new moon with the loss of only one. Grant overcame Johnston's troops at Jackson. Johnston's attitude was he wanted to attack when everything was perfect and he had the best shot of winning. This, however, never occurred, a fault, which he carried to his grave. John Pemberton commanded the defenses at Vicksburg and asked for reinforcements. Johnston, however, wanted him to send his troops towards Jackson and squeeze Grant in a vice. This did not happen at first. When he did send them, they fought at Champion Hill, halfway between Jackson and Vicksburg. Both sides suffered many casualties on May 16.
Pemberton retreated to the defenses at Vicksburg, Grant pursued and set up a siege operation lasting forty-seven days. Unable to recieve reinforcements for numerous reasons, the CSA army and the civilian population hunkered down behind their lines, even living in dugout caves. The terrain did not warrant a frontal assault.
Like a boa constrictor, Grant's troops inched their lines forward tightening their grip around Vicksburg. Running out of food and ammunition, Pemberton hoisted the white flag on July 4, 1863. To this day the citizens do not celebrate Independence Day, rather the fall of their beloved city top the hands of the Union. The Union controlled the Mississippi. The Western states were cut off from their confederates. Sherman began his March to the Sea and Grant became commander of the Union Army.
The signage at the battlefield is a little disappointing, because it is difficult to read. Some of the tour stops along the driving route do not exist. Other signage is raised metal lettering. They aptly show the lines of both sides, but the text is difficult to read.
One overlooked tragedy is also linked to Vicksburg, which became an exchange point for POWs. On April 24, 1865 more than 2,300 Union soldiers released mainly from Andersonville boarded the steamer Sultana for their journey up the river to home. Near Memphis, three days later the engines overheated and exploded, sending more than 1,800 men to their death. This remains the greatest maritime disaster in US history.
About the Author
John Pelley is a Geriatric Gypsy. He is retired from the rat race of working. He is a full-time RVer, who ran away from home. He began our travels on the East Coast and, like the migrating birds, seek the warmth of the seasons He has discovered volunteering with the National Park System. He has a CD he has recorded of Native American flute music., A Day with Kokopelli. For pictures, links, and more information visit http://www.jmpelley.org.
Hank Williams Jr- Lone Wolf (Confederate Tribute- CSA)