Vicksburg, Battle of

In the American Civil War, Union victory over Confederate forces May–July 1863, at Vicksburg, Mississippi, 380 km/235 mi north of New Orleans. Vicksburg was a well-fortified communications hub of great importance on the Mississippi and the Union capture of the town virtually split the Confederacy in two. It also brought Ulysses S Grant to public prominence, eventually leading to him being given command of all Union forces.

The first Union attempt to take it June 1862 was made by a small force of no more than 5,000 with a fleet of gunboats; they were unable to make any impression on the defences and withdrew. Two Union corps under General John A McClernand, an incompetent political appointee, laid siege to the place January 1863. They had some initial success against an outpost fort, but none against the town, and Grant brought up three more corps to strengthen the siege. McClernand demanded that he be given the chance to assault Vicksburg, and failed spectacularly 22 May, after which he was relieved by Grant, who took personal command of the siege. He pressed the town hard and Lt-Gen John C Pemberton, the Confederate commander, surrendered 4 July with 25,000 troops and 90 guns.