Siege of Vicksburg - July 23, 2006

The Siege of Vicksburg - May 26 - July 3, 1863 (Information taken from brochures).

From the beginning of the Civil War, control of the Mississippi River south of Cairo, Ill., was of vital importance to the Federal Government. Command of that waterway would allow uninterrupted passage of the Union troops and supplies into the South and isolate Texas, Arkansas, and Louisiana from the rest of the Confederacy. One problem existed, the southern troops had over 172 cannons pointed at the river from the bluffs at Vicksburg. General Grant attempted several times to take the bluffs and the city. After crossing the Mississippi south of Vicksburg, he went to Jackson, MS to cut off supply lines to Vicksburg. Then returning to Vicksburg, he launched an attack on May 16 at Champion Hill. Then onto the bluffs at Vicksburg where he launched unsuccessful attacks on May 19 and May 22.

Following the failure of the May 22 assault, Grant realized that Vicksburg could not be taken by storm and decided to lay siege to the city. Slowly his army established a line of works around the beleaguered city and cut Vicksburg off from supply and communications with the outside world. Commencing on May 26, Union forces constructed thirteen approaches along their front aimed at different points along the Confederate defense line. The object was to dig up to the Confederate works then tunnel underneath them, plant charges of black powder, and destroy the fortifications. Union troops would then surge through the breach and gain entrance to Vicksburg.

Throughout the weary month of June the gallant defenders of Vicksburg suffered under the constant bombardment of enemy guns from reduced rations and exposure to the elements. Reduced in number by sickness and battle casualties, the garrison of Vicksburg was spread dangerously thin. Soldiers and citizens alike began to despair that relief would ever come. At Jackson and Canton, General Johnston gathered a relief force which took up the line of march toward Vicksburg on July 1. By then it was too late as the sands of time had expired for the fortress city on the Mississippi River.

Monument at the entrance of Vicksburg Battlefield

General U.S. Grant

Rifles found on the battlefield

From this position, as many as 22 artillery pieces fired towards

the Confederate Great Redoubt directly ahead.

Looking at the Great Redoubt from the Union side.

Picture of the Shirley House which housed the 45th Illinois Infantry

during the siege. Notice the "bombproof" shelters built for protection.

Shirley House restored to 1863 appearance.

Area in front of Shirley House after restoration from shelters.

Monument of General Grant at Grant's Headquarters at Vicksburg.

Site of Gen. Thayer's (USA) attack by the Union soldiers on May 22, 1863.

This is looking from the Union side. The Confederates successfully defended

this charge and caused General Grant to decide that a "Siege" was in order

rather that attempting to fight for an overall victory.

Signage on the Confederate side of Gen. Thayer's attack.

Looking down the slope towards the direction that Gen. Thayer's

soldiers had to come up. You can see why the attack failed and the

Confederates were successful in the defense of the terrain.

View of the Mississippi from the bluffs held by the Confederates. It

was nearly impossible to move past this point without being defeated.

Terrain over which the battle/seige of Vicksburg was contested.

Terrain over which the battle/seige of Vicksburg was contested.

Terrain over which the battle/seige of Vicksburg was contested.

Summary of Casualities for the Siege of Vicksburg.