Vicksburg Campaign

The Vicksburg Campaign was a series of battles and maneuvers in the American Civil War directed against Vicksburg, Mississippi, a fortress city that dominated the last Confederate-controlled section of the Mississippi River. The Union Army of the Tennessee under Major General Ulysses S. Grant gained control of the Mississippi River by capturing this stronghold and defeating John C. Pemberton's forces stationed there.

Related Topics:
American Civil War - Vicksburg, Mississippi - Confederate - Mississippi River - Union - Army of the Tennessee - Major General - Ulysses S. Grant - John C. Pemberton

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The campaign consisted of many important naval operations, troop maneuvers, failed initiatives, and eleven distinct battles over the period December 26, 1862, to July 4, 1863. Military historians divide the campaign into two formal phases: Operations Against Vicksburg (December 1862 – January 1863) and Grant's Operations Against Vicksburg (March – July 1863).

Related Topics:
December 26 - 1862 - July 4 - 1863

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After Pemberton's army surrendered (one day after the Confederate defeat at Gettysburg), and when Nathaniel P. Banks captured Port Hudson, the entire Mississippi River belonged to the Union. These events are widely considered the turning point of the war. And Grant's Vicksburg Campaign is considered one of the masterpieces of American military history.

Related Topics:
Gettysburg - Nathaniel P. Banks - Port Hudson - Turning point

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