Siege of Vicksburg

May 18 – July 4, 1863 · Western Theater

Phases

1. 1Apr–May — The Campaign of ManeuverApril 30 – May 17, 1863
2. 2May 19 & 22 — The AssaultsMay 19 & 22, 1863
3. 3June — Forty-Seven Days of SiegeMay 25 – July 3, 1863
4. 4July 4 — SurrenderJuly 4, 1863

April 30 – May 17, 1863

After months of failed canals and bayou expeditions, Grant runs the batteries, crosses the Mississippi at Bruinsburg — “I was now in the enemy’s country” — and cuts loose from his supply line. In seventeen days his army marches 180 miles and wins five battles: Port Gibson, Raymond, Jackson (scattering Johnston’s gathering force), then the decisive field at Champion Hill and the rout at Big Black River Bridge. Pemberton falls back into the Vicksburg defenses.

• ➤Army of the Tennessee — Crosses at Bruinsburg, drives northeast — Jackson falls May 14
• ➤McPherson & McClernand — Turn west — rout Pemberton at Champion Hill, May 16
• ●Champion Hill — the decisive battle of the campaign
• ●Vicksburg — the “Gibraltar of the Confederacy”