Vicksburg

• The Key to the South

  

  Before interstate highways or even railroads, the Mississippi River was the primary avenue for the transport of goods from the American northwest to Southern ports and the world at large. Located atop the bluffs overlooking the river, Vicksburg and its railroad connected the two halves of the Confederacy, making it the focus of strategic considerations for both armies.

  Rob Shenk

• Stockade Redoubt

  

  During the May 19 and 22 assaults on Vicksburg, Gen. William T. Sherman's Union corps was ordered to assault these works here astride the grimly named Graveyard Road. In both assaults, Sherman's men managed to plant their colors on the works, but were still compelled to withdraw with heavy loss.

  Rob Shenk

• Assault on the Railroad Redoubt

  

  After a more thorough reconnaissance, Grant renewed his offensive on May 22. As part of that assault, the McClernand's Thirteenth Corps assaulted the Confederate works guarding the Southern Railroad and were repulsed with heavy loss.

  Rob Shenk

• Logan's Approach

  

  With picks and shovels, work parties from Gen. John A. Logan's division of the Union Seventeenth Corps, began digging an 8 foot wide, 7 foot deep "approach trench" on May 26, 1863. Their objective, the 3rd Louisiana Redan, was roughly 400 yards from this spot when construction began.

  Rob Shenk

• 3rd Louisiana Redan

  

  This earthen fortification along the Jackson Road was the focus of operations of the Federals under Gen. John A. Logan, culminating with the explosion of a mine under this work on June 25, 1863.

  Rob Shenk

• Explosion at the 3rd Louisiana Redan

  

  At 3:30pm on June 25, 1863, Union sappers detonated a mine beneath the 3rd Louisiana Redan and Federals rushed forward to exploit the breach. After more than 20 hours of fruitless combat--much of it in darkness--Grant recalled his troops. The siege would continue.

  National Park Service

• Clearing the Trees

  

  The National Park Service is currently working to clear some of the vegetation that has grown in the 150 years since the battle, thus restoring the historic landscape to its wartime appearance.

  Rob Shenk

• Pemberton's Headquarters

  

  Confederate commander Gen. John C. Pemberton used this house as his headquarters during the siege of Vicksburg and made the decision to surrender the city in one of these rooms.

  Rob Shenk

• Surrender Interview Site

  

  This upturned cannon marks the spot where the Union and Confederate commanders first met to discuss the surrender of Pemberton's army.

  Rob Shenk

• Navy Memorial

  

  This 202 foot tall obelisk commemorating the United States Navy efforts at Vicksburg is the tallest monument in the national park. Four statues at its base memorialize the naval commanders David D. Porter, David G, Farragut, Andrew Foote, and Charles Henry Davis.

  Rob Shenk

• The Old Court House

  

  Completed in 1860, the historic court house in downtown Vicksburg was the target of many a Union artillerist during the siege of Vicksburg, but only suffered one direct hit. On July 4, 1863, the victorious Federals raised the Stars and Stripes atop this building, signifying the end of siege of Vicksburg.

  Rob Shenk

• Illinois State Memorial

  

  Dedicated in 1906, this white marble structure commemorates the 36,325 Illinois soldiers who participated in the siege of Vicksburg. 47 steps--one for each day of the 1863 siege--lead to the monument's entrance.

  Rob Shenk

• Cedar Hill Cemetery

  

  Established in 1866 by the Ladies Confederate Cemetery Association of Vicksburg, the Cedar Hill Cemetery is the final resting place for more than 1,600 Confederate soldiers who died during the Vicksburg Campaign.

  Rob Shenk