The Forgotten Campaign That Changed The Civil War: June 23 - July 18, 1863

The Vicksburg Campaign, fought from June 23 to July 18, 1863, was a pivotal campaign of the American Civil War that resulted in the Union victory and control of the Mississippi River. Despite its significance, this campaign has often been overshadowed by other major battles and campaigns of the war.

The strategic importance of Vicksburg, Mississippi, cannot be overstated. As the last major Confederate stronghold on the Mississippi River, its capture would effectively split the Confederacy in two, isolating Texas and Arkansas from the rest of the South. Recognizing this, Union General Ulysses S. Grant set out to capture Vicksburg in the spring of 1863.

Grant's plan was audacious. He would move his army down the west bank of the Mississippi River, cross the river below Vicksburg, and attack the city from the landward side. This would require crossing a heavily fortified Confederate line at Grand Gulf, Mississippi, and then marching overland through difficult terrain.

Tullahoma: The Forgotten Campaign that changed the Civil War, June 23–July 4, 1863

by Eric J. Wittenberg

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	30928 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
X-Ray	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	393 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

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On June 23, Grant's forces crossed the Mississippi River at Bruinsburg, Mississippi, and began their march toward Vicksburg. The Confederate commander in Vicksburg, General John C. Pemberton, had only 32,000 men to defend the city, while Grant had over 70,000 troops at his disposal.

Pemberton made the mistake of dividing his forces, sending a portion of his army to meet Grant's advance at Champion Hill. Grant's forces defeated the Confederates at Champion Hill on June 29, and Pemberton was forced to retreat back to Vicksburg.

Grant's army arrived before Vicksburg on June 30 and laid siege to the city. The siege lasted for 47 days, during which time Grant's forces bombarded the city and slowly advanced their lines closer to the Confederate defenses.

On July 4, 1863, Grant ordered a general assault on the Confederate lines. The assault failed, with heavy casualties on both sides. Grant then settled in for a long siege, determined to starve the Confederates into submission.

On July 18, 1863, Pemberton surrendered the city of Vicksburg to Grant. The Union victory at Vicksburg was a major turning point in the Civil War. It gave the Union control of the Mississippi River and effectively split the Confederacy in two.

The Vicksburg Campaign was a forgotten campaign that changed the course of the Civil War. Grant's audacious plan and his determination to succeed ultimately led to the Union victory.

The Vicksburg Campaign was a significant turning point in the Civil War for several reasons:

• It gave the Union control of the Mississippi River. This effectively split the Confederacy in two, isolating Texas and Arkansas from the rest of the South.
• It boosted morale for the Union. After a series of defeats in the East, the Union victory at Vicksburg provided a much-needed morale boost.
• It paved the way for the Union victory at Gettysburg. The Vicksburg Campaign tied up a large number of Confederate troops, preventing them from reinforcing Confederate General Robert E. Lee at Gettysburg.
• It led to the fall of the Confederacy. The capture of Vicksburg was a major step towards the eventual Union victory in the Civil War.

The Vicksburg Campaign is often overshadowed by other major battles and campaigns of the Civil War, but its significance cannot be overstated. The Union victory at Vicksburg was a major turning point in the war, and it helped to pave the way for the eventual Union victory.

The Vicksburg Campaign is also a reminder of the importance of perseverance and determination. Grant's army faced numerous challenges during the siege of Vicksburg, but they never gave up. Their determination ultimately led to the Union victory.

The Vicksburg Campaign is a fascinating and important story of American history. It is a story of courage, determination, and perseverance. It is a story that should be remembered and celebrated.

Tullahoma: The Forgotten Campaign that changed the Civil War, June 23–July 4, 1863

by Eric J. Wittenberg

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	30928 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
X-Ray	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	393 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE