The Siege of Vicksburg
The Union Conquers The Mississippi
Facts About The Battle
1. On May 19 and 22 of 1863, Union General Ulysses S. Grant launched a series of assaults againts the fortifications of Vicksburg defended by Confederate forces under the command of John C. Pemberton.
2. Grant suffered heavy losses in the failed attacks and ordered his men to lay siege to the city and dig a series of trenches around the city.
3. The city held against the Union for 47 days.
4.The defenders surrendered on July 4, 1863.
5.Taking this city gave the Union full control of the Mississippi River.
The Union troops attempt to storm Confederate defenses
Upon reaching the city, the Union army attacked the Confederate defenses several times hoping to break through.
The Union troops lay siege to Vicksburg
After failing to break the defenses General Grant ordered his men to dig trenches and lay siege to the city.
The destruction caused by artillary fire on the city
The Union artillary and gunboats caused a great deal of damage to the city, driving its inhabitants underground.
Vicksburg is bombarded from the river
The Union artillary and gunboats fired constantly at the city
Newspapers report Union Victories at Vicksburg and Gettysburg
The battle ended one day after the Battle of Gettysburg.