Vanity: Civil War Sesquicentennial Alert (July 4): The Union Capture of Vicksburg

justiceseeker93 | July 4, 2013 | justiceseeker93

[justiceseeker93]

See comment below.

[justiceseeker93]

Just a historical reminder this July 4 of the 150th anniversary of the Union capture of the Confederate fortress of Vicksburg, overlooking the Mississippi River. Seems as if it is getting little attention in the media, especially in comparison to Gettysburg. Vicksburg, nonetheless, was also a critical turning point in the Civil War, since it enabled the Union to control transportation on the Mississippi, effectively cutting the Confederacy in two. The fall of Vicksburg was the culmination of a siege of six weeks duration.

[DManA]

These threads seem to disappear. Expect the “War of Northern Aggression” types to swarm here and turn it into a pissing match.

[SilverMine]

I have always wondered what is was that caused God to decide that the north must win resulting in His taking Thomas Jackson home.

[ContraryMary]

BTTT

[UB355]

In 1863 my ancestor with 24th Wisconsin fought at Stones River, Murfreesboro, TN and at Battle of Chickamauga in GA.

[justiceseeker93]

Ping!!!

[justiceseeker93]

Heard of Murfreesboro and Chickamauga, but never Stones River. What state is Stones River in?

[KingLudd]

Check out both sides of this: http://www.loc.gov/exhibits/treasures/trm114.html

[KingLudd]

Supplies were so low that they printed the newspaper on wallpaper. God bless America.

[onyx]

I live here. Today's front page of the Vicksburg Post.
Up until recently, this city didn't celebrate the 4th of July.



VICKSBURG'S DARKEST DAY

[onyx]

Oh, the The Link

[Joe 6-pack]

"Vicksburg, nonetheless, was also a critical turning point in the Civil War, since it enabled the Union to control transportation on the Mississippi, effectively cutting the Confederacy in two."

It also brought Grant to prominence. Love him or hate him, there's no arguing that was also a result of Vicksburg that changed the entire course of the war.

[jonascord]

The Federal Army tended to name battles after local landmarks and the Confederacy after the nearest town.

Examples include:
Bull Run and Manasses
Antietam and Sharpsburg
Stones River and 2nd Battle of Murfreesboro.

[UB355]

It my be Store River. I have a reproduction of his dishcharge papers. They say Stone River Tenn(Murfreesboro) Dec 31-1862-Jan 1-2-1863

[UB355]

Sorry, Stone River

[justiceseeker93]

Thanks for the info and photo. I’m sure you folks there would remember. I’d also guess that you have an unusually high number of visitors there today.

[hondact200]

nice national battlefield park to drive through, there are several other battlefield sites in Mississippi too. Raymond Mississippi. Interesting time to be had in Vicksburg. Civil War No it was the War Between the States. Has been 17 years since I have been in Mississippi.

[onyx]

Yes, loaded with visitors. I’m sorry I can’t link y’all to the story. I refuse to sign-up for all newspaper sites.

[RedMDer]

This siege and battle does not get the attention that it deserves

The Battle of Vicksburg Summary & Facts | Civilwar.org May 18 - July 4, 1863

In May and June of 1863, Maj. Gen. Ulysses S. Grant’s armies converged on Vicksburg, investing the city and entrapping a Confederate army under Lt. Gen. John Pemberton. On July 4, Vicksburg surrendered after prolonged siege operations. This was the culmination of one of the most brilliant military campaigns of the war. With the loss of Pemberton’s army and this vital stronghold on the Mississippi, the Confederacy was effectively split in half. Grant's successes in the West boosted his reputation, leading ultimately to his appointment as General-in-Chief of the Union armies.

[onyx]

This town is loaded with history.
My house is historical.
Trees, plaques, statues, brick and stone roads everywhere.
It’s actually very lovely.
The Military Park is something to treasure and behold.