USA HISTORY

Detailed explanation-1: -Vicksburg’s strategic location on the Mississippi River made it a critical win for both the Union and the Confederacy. The Confederate surrender there ensured Union control of the Mississippi River and cleaved the South in two.

Detailed explanation-2: -In May of 1863, Ulysses S. Grant marched towards the final goal of his campaign: Vicksburg. Taking this Southern stronghold would allow the Union to control the Mississippi River and boost Northern morale.

Detailed explanation-3: -Grant hoped to secure control of the Mississippi River for the Union. By having control of the river, Union forces would split the Confederacy in two and control an important route to move men and supplies. The last major Confederate stronghold on the Mississippi River was the city of Vicksburg, Mississippi.

Detailed explanation-4: -On May 16, Grant defeated a force under General John C. Pemberton at Champion Hill, one of the Confederates’ last defenses outside of Vicksburg. Pemberton retreated back to Vicksburg, and Grant sealed off the city by the end of May.

Detailed explanation-5: -Along with the defeat of Robert E. Lee’s army at Gettysburg a day earlier, the Confederate surrender of Vicksburg, Mississippi on July 4, 1863 would turn the tide of the Civil War. The Union campaign against Vicksburg, in its entirety, would be the longest of the Civil War.