Siege of Vicksburg
1863 · Vicksburg (modern Mississippi, United States) · World · Modern
After two failed assaults, Grant switched to a long siege. When the city ran out of food, Pemberton opened the gates and surrendered on July 4.
Belligerents
United States (Union)
- Commanders
- Ulysses S. Grant
- Strength
- About 77,000
Confederate States of America (Confederacy)
- Commanders
- John Pemberton
- Strength
- Garrison of about 33,000
Background
The Mississippi River was the lifeline of the Confederacy for east-west communication and the transport of supplies. Vicksburg commanded a key point on the river, and Grant led his army on a flanking maneuver through the interior to close in on the city.
Course of the battle
- Flanking river crossingGrant led his army on a detour down the west bank of the Mississippi, then crossed the river south of Vicksburg and swung around to the city's rear.
- Assault repulsedTwo Union frontal assaults on the city's fortifications both suffered heavy casualties.
- Long siegeGrant switched to a trench siege; the soldiers and civilians in the city ran out of food, and Pemberton finally surrendered.
Outcome at a glance
| Date | 1863 |
|---|---|
| Place | Vicksburg (present-day Mississippi, United States) |
| Result | After two failed assaults, Grant switched to a long siege. When the city ran out of food, Pemberton opened the gates and surrendered on July 4. |
| Winner | United States (Union) |
| Casualties | About 30,000 Confederate troops surrendered; Union casualties in the siege were about 10,000. |
| Territorial change | The Union gained full control of the Mississippi River, and the Confederacy was cut in two, into eastern and western halves. |
Impact
News of the fall of Vicksburg and of the victory at Gettysburg arrived on the same day. The Union had fully opened the Mississippi River, and from then on the Confederacy's strategic situation deteriorated rapidly.
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