BGuthrie Photos: MS -- Vicksburg Natl Military Park -- Other

MS -- Vicksburg Natl Military Park -- Other:

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Specific picture descriptions: Photos above with "i" icons next to the bracketed sequence numbers (e.g. "[1] ") are described as follows:
1. VICKCW_130522_006.JPG: Remember the Sacrifices: Look around. This peaceful place once trembled with the roar of cannon, rumbled with underground explosions, and echoed with the cries of wounded and dying soldiers. Here men, who before 1861 had been fellow citizens, fought each other to the death over ideals about what America should be. Their suffering and courage are forever linked to this battlefield. During the early 1900s, veterans came back to Vicksburg to mark where they had fought. Red plaques show Confederate defenses. Blue plaques show Union siege works and lines of attack. This War Department effort made Vicksburg one of the best-marked battlefields in the world. Please honor the Vicksburg Campaign's 100,000 veterans. Visit this national military park with reverence.
2. VICKCW_130522_053.JPG: Standing Guard at Jackson Road: You are on the historic Jackson Road, a critical link between Jackson and Vicksburg during the Civil War. To guard this key entrance to the city, Confederate forces built a major fort here: the Third Louisiana Redan. Look to your left at the end of the road -- the high ground beyond is the old fort's wall. On May 22, 1863, Union troops swarmed down Jackson Road from the east to attack the Third Louisiana Redan. An innocent-looking ridge today, this once-massive structure posed a forbidding obstacle to Federal forces. The assault failed, and Grant's men withdrew to safety behind the ridge below the Shirley House (to your right). Sharpshooter vs. Sharpshooter: When the siege began, Union troops dug toward the Third Louisiana Redan. As the trench neared the fort, Confederate sharpshooters made life difficult for the Federal digging crews. Lieutenant Henry Foster -- known as "Coonskin" for his raccoon fur cap -- built a tower out of railroad ties facing the Third Louisiana Redan to protect his comrades. Union sharpshooters concealed in Coonskin's Tower used a mirror to watch for Confederates taking aim at Federal soldiers below. Without becoming targets themselves, Foster and friends beat their enemies to the trigger.
3. VICKCW_130522_101.JPG: Digging In at the Shirley House: Imagine the scene here in June 1864. The hillside to your right had been completely transformed into a vast network of dugouts known as "shebangs." These makeshift shelters protected Union soldiers from the oppressive summer heat -- and the threat of nearby Confederate guns. When the siege ended, the Shirley House stood badly damaged and abandoned. It served the Union army as a smallpox quarantine hospital. It was bought by the U.S. government in 1900. Now restored to its pre-war appearance, this stately house is the only remaining wartime building inside the military park. Although they owned 25 enslaved workers, James Shirley (above) and his wife Adeline were Union sympathizers. Their teenage son, Quincy, joined the Union troops at his doorstep in fighting the Confederates.
4. VICKCW_130522_176.JPG: Union Position Tablet John E. Smith's Brigade: Assault, May 22, 1863. This brigade was ordered to assault the Confederate Third Louisiana Redan on north side of Jackson Road. The 31st and 124th Illinois Regiments were deployed as sharpshooters. About 10 a.m. the 23d Indiana advanced by the flank, in quick time with fixed bayonets, followed by the 20th Illinois. The leading regiment advanced to within about 100 yards of the redan, filed right and marched in the new direction until its left cleared the road. It found, in its front, a deep ravine covered with a heavy abatis, and was ordered to retire by companies. The 20th Illinois advanced on the road close to the salient angle of the redan, turned obliquely to the left and found shelter on the slope of the ridge in front of the Confederate intrenchment. At 2 p.m. the 45th Illinois, under command of Major Luther H.Cowen, advanced on the road, by the flank with fixed bayonets, supported by the 20th Ohio of the Second Brigade. The leading regiment advanced close to the salient angle of the redan, filed obliquely to the left and found shelter on the slope of the ridge, immediately in rear of the 20th Illinois. Both regiments remained in the positions gained until the evening of the 23d, when they retried, under orders. The 20th Ohio was not ordered forward. This tablet marks the place where Major Cowen was killed at the head of his regiment. Casualties: 20th Illinois, wounded 23: 31st Illinois, killed 3. wounded 21, total 24. Capt. Horace L. Bowyer mortally wounded; 45th Illinois, killed 1, wounded 10, missing 2, total 22. Major Luther H. Cowen killed; 124 Illinois, wounded 2: 23d Indiana, killed 3, wounded 7, total 10. Lieut Christian G. Zulauf killed: Aggregate, killed 7, wounded 72, missing 2, total 81.
5. VICKCW_130522_182.JPG: Blasting Their Way: Direct assaults on the Confederate fortifications on May 19 and 22 ended in heavy Union losses. With Vicksburg's defenses holding strong, Grant changed tactics and ordered a formal siege. Here, at Third Louisiana Redan, all phases of siege warfare were brought to bear on the earthen front in front of you. Federal troops labored 24 hours a day in the brutal heat of the Mississippi summer to dig deep trenches along Jackson Road from Shirley House toward this position. The 45th Illinois Infantry then burrowed under the point of the redan and filled the mine with over 2,200 pounds of black powder. "Every man in the investing line became an army engineer day and night... Entrenchments, rifle pits, and dirt caves were made in every conceivable direction." -- Union Soldier Into the Breach: On June 25th, an explosion blew a huge hole in the walls of the fort. Union troops charged into the crater. A second wall stopped the soldiers in their tracks. For 26 hours a fierce battle raged. The Confederates held face and forced the Union troops to withdraw. Vicksburg's defenses held.
6. VICKCW_130522_191.JPG: U.S. Logan's Approach: End of Logan's approach to the Confederate Third Louisiana Redan: carried to this point, June 22, and a gallery for a mine begun next day. The gallery carried 40 feet to the front and a mine at its head. Charge with 2200 pounds of powder, fired about 3:30pm, June 25. Another gallery was started from a covered gallery constructed in crater made by explosion, and the mine at its head fired the afternoon of July 1.
7. VICKCW_130522_202.JPG: Union Position Tablet. Affair of the Crater: June 25-26, 1863. A mine at the head of Logan's Approach to the Third Louisiana Redan, was begun on June 23, finished the forenoon of June 25, and charged with 2200 pounds of powder. Leggett's (1st) Brigade of Logan's (3rd) Division, 17th Corps, occupied the trenches, under orders to assault. The mine was fired about 3:30 p.m. and, before the smoke had cleared away, the 45th Illinois, at the head of the column, occupied the crater made by the explosion and opened fire on the Confederates behind the parapet across the gorge of the redan. The 20th Illinois relieved the 45th and was relieved by the 31st Illinois. The 56th Illinois relieved the 31st and was relieved by the 23d Indiana. The 17th Iowa relieved the 23d Indiana and was relieved by the 31st Illinois at 2 a.m. of the 26th. The 45th Illinois relieved the 31st at daylight, and was relieved by the 124th Illinois at 10 a.m.; that regiment held the position until 5 p.m., when fighting ceased in the crater. Hand grenades were freely used on both sides. Shells with lighted fuses, used as grenades by the Confederates, were, in some instances, thrown back before they exploded. This tablet marks the part of the crater nearest the Confederate parapet across the gorge of the redan. Casualties: 20th Illinois, killed 2, wounded 7, total 9: 31st Illinois, killed 7, wounded 27, total 34. Lieut. Col. John D. Rees and Capt. Levi B. Casey mortally wounded; 45th Illinois, killed 8, wounded 62, total 70. Capt. Leander B. Fisk, Acting Major, killed, Lieut. Col. Melancthon Smith mortally wounded: 124th Illinois, killed 6, wounded 49, total 55, Lieut. Julius A. Pratt killed: 23d Indiana, killed 8, wounded 31, total 39. Capt. William M. Darrough mortally wounded: aggregate in First Brigade, Third Division, from May 23 to July 4, inclusive, killed 31, wounded 176, total 207, largely in crater. All officers named (except Capt. Darrough, wounded July 1) killed or mortally wounded in that affair. 56th Illinois, killed 4, wounded 13, total 17, Lieut. Andrew E. Walbright killed: 17th Iowa, killed 3, wounded 34, total 37: Aggregate in second Brigade, Seventh Division, killed 7, wounded 47, total 54, all in crater.
8. VICKCW_130522_219.JPG: Confederate Position Tablet Third Louisiana Redan, on Left of Jackson Road. This redan was held, May 22, 1863, and the assaults of the Union force repulsed, by the Third Louisiana, with the 43d Mississippi on its left. The casualties cannot be accurately stated. A Union mine was fired under the redan the afternoon of June 25, almost destroying its front parapet, making a crater in its terreplain, but not injuring a parapet across its gorge. It was then held by the 3d Louisiana, supported by the 6th Missouri, with the 38th Mississippi on the right and the 43d Mississippi on the left. The Union force assaulted immediately after the mine was fired, occupied the crater and attempted to carry the parapet across the gorge of the redan, but was repulsed. Col. Erwin, 6th Missouri, at the head of some of his men, attempted a counter-charge and was killed on top of the parapet. The Union force in the crater was successively relieved by fresh troops. The fighting continued all night and most of the next day, and the position was firmly held. Hand grenades, and shells with lighted fuses in place of grenades, were freely used on both sides. After dark of the 25th, the 5th Missouri reinforced this position. Casualties: 3d Louisiana, killed 6, wounded 21, total 27: 38th Mississippi, killed 1, wounded 3, total 4: 43d Mississippi, killed 6 (buried by firing of mine), wounded 5, total 11: 5th Missouri, killed 1, wounded 7, total 8: 6th Missouri, killed 3, wounded 22, total 25, Col. Eugene Erwin and Lieut W.S. Lipscomb killed; Aggregate, killed 17, wounded 58, total 75. The 2d Missouri was moved to this position the night of June 26, and the 1st and 4th Missouri (Consolidated) the evening of July 1. In the afternoon of that day a second mine was fired under the redan, almost completely destroying both its faces and materially damaging the parapet across its gorge, but no assault was made by the Union force. Lieut Col. Pembroke S. Senteny, 2d Missouri, and Lieuts. John T. Crenshaw and John Roseberry, 6th Missouri, were killed-Lieut. Crenshaw being buried by the firing of the mine.
9. VICKCW_130522_263.JPG: Dash of Courage: On May 19, 1863, the 55th Illinois Infantry was pinned down by enemy fire and running out of ammunition. Orion P. Howe, a 14-year-old musician, volunteered to run back and get more. On the way, he was wounded. He found General Sherman near this location and asked for the needed cartridges. For his heroic run, Howe became one of the youngest recipients of the Medal of Honor. "What arrested my attention then was... that one so young, carrying a musket-ball wound through his leg, should have found his way to me on that fatal spot, and delivered his message..." -- General Sherman's letter recommending the Medal of Honor for Orion P. Howe
10. VICKCW_130522_293.JPG: "This is Murder!" They were all volunteers -- and unmarried -- those 150 Union men called the "Forlorn Hope." Powerful cannon had pounded the Confederates for four straight hours. Laden with planks and hastily built ladders, they struggled up the road in front of you. Their job: bridge the seven-foot-deep ditch that fronted the Confederate fort looming 200 yards ahead. As they moved down the open road, deadly fire from the fort cut the boys in blue to pieces. Only a handful made it to the ditch alive, where they remained pinned down. The Union attack bogged down. A second advance was ordered. Again, the Federals were ripped apart as they advanced along the road. The numbing casualties on May 22 convinced General Grant to lay siege to Vicksburg. Almost half of the Forlorn Hope volunteers were casualties during the May 22 assault. The survivors were awarded the Medal of Honor. "This is murder; bring those troops back!" -- General William T. Sherman
11. VICKCW_130522_333.JPG: US Detached for Service on Gunboats; Army of the Tennessee. 29th Illinois Infantry (detachment) Companies D and K were assigned to duty on gunboats by order of Maj Gen US Grant, dated February 18 1863; Company D under Captain Eberlee P.H. Stone served during the campaign and siege of Vicksburg on gunboat Tyler and a detachment from the company for a time on USS Tuscumbia Company K under Capt Elijah P Curtis, with enlisted men of other companies of the regiment attached to it, served on gunboat "Petrel" and on other boats. Casualties: in the bombardment of Grand Gulf April 29 killed 1 wounded 2 total 3 (in Company D). The detachment was borne on the returns for January 31 1803 in First Brigade, District of Jackson, 16th Corps, Army of the Tennessee.
12. VICKCW_130522_338.JPG: US Detached for Service on Gunboats; Army of the Tennessee. 101st Illinois Infantry (detachment). Company A was detailed for service on gunboats, March 6 1863, its operations after that date during the campaign and siege of Vicksburg are not of record; Company D served for a time at General Grant's headquarters and, later, was assigned to duty on the gunboats "Cricket" and "Rattler"; Company G was detailed for duty, about March 1 1863, on the ram "Switzerland" and appears to have served on that ram during the campaign and siege; Company H served on the gunboat "LaFayette". A detachment from the company served on the ram "Monarch"; Company K was on duty as provost-guard at General Grant's headquarters, a detachment from the company was, for a time, in charge of coal fleet, Casualties in detachment during the campaign and siege, not reported. The detachment was borne on the returns for January 31 1863, in second brigade, fourth division, 16th corps, Army of the Tennessee.
13. VICKCW_130522_343.JPG: U.S. Detached for Service on Gunboats; Army of the Tennessee. Fifty Eighth Infantry; Maj. Ezra P. Jackson The Regiment was detained for service on gunboats by order of Maj. Gen. William T. Sherman, dated February 6, 1863; before that date it was attached to 1st Brigade, 1st Division, 14th Corps, Army of the Tennessee. Casualties: In the bombardment of Grand Gulf April 29: Killed 1, wounded 18, total 19; Near Yazoo City, May 23, Killed 1; Near Vicksburg, May 23: wounded 5; Near Vicksburg, May 27, killed 3, wounded 1, total 4; and during remainder of the Siege, not reported. Aggregate reported casualties in Regiment during the Campaign and Siege, Killed 5, wounded 24, total 29.
14. VICKCW_130522_349.JPG: Campaign, Siege, and Defense of Vicksburg: 1863 Battle of Port Gibson, Mississippi, May 1. The Union Army, under command of Maj. Gen. U.s. Grant, was composed of the 13th Corps and Logan's Division of the 17th Corps. The Confederate Army, under command of Brig. Gen. John S. Bowen, was composed of Tracy's Cockrell's, Green's, and Baldwin's Brigades, the 6th Mississippi Infantry, the Botetourt (Virginia) Artillery, and a section of Hudson's (Mississippi) Battery. Most of the Confederate Regiments made forced marches to reach the battlefield and arrived with thinned ranks. Tracy's Brigade held the right, Green's and the Sixth Mississippi the left of the Confederate line. The battle was opened at an early hour by the advance of Carr's and Hovey's Divisions on the right and Osterhaus' on the left of the Union line, Smith's Division in reserve. The Confederate left was driven back about 10 a.m. and Baldwin's Brigade, just arrived, formed a new line about one and one-half miles in rear of the first position. Two regiments, just arrived, of Cockrell's Brigade were posted on the new line: Green's Brigade and one regiment, just arrived, of Cockrell's Brigade were ordered to the Confederate right which had retired a little from its first position. The First Brigade of Logan's Division was sent on arrival, to the Union left. The Third reinforced the Union right and Smith's Division became engaged: the Second Brigade of Logan's Division did not arrive until near the close of the battle. The Confederate line was held until about 5:30 p.m., when both wings were driven from their positions and fell back across Bayou Pierre. The First and Fourth Missouri Infantry (Consolidated) of Cockrell's Brigade arriving in time to assist in covering the retreat. Casualties: Union: killed 131, wounded 719, missing 25, total 875, one officer killed. Confederate: killed 56, wounded 328, missing 341, total 7525, Brig. Gen. E.D. Tracy and three other officers killed.
15. VICKCW_130522_359.JPG: Campaign, Siege, and Defense of Vicksburg, 1863 Engagement at Raymond, Mississippi, May 12 The Union Army, under command of Maj. Gen. James B. McPherson, was composed of the Third and Seventh Divisions, 17th Corps. The Confederate Army, under command of Brig. Gen. John Gregg, was composed of Gregg's Brigade and a squadron of Wirt Adams' Cavalry. The Battle was opened by the advance of the Third Division, Maj. Gen. John A. Logan commanding -- Smith's Brigade on the right, Dennis' on the left, and Stevenson's at first in reserve but later on the extreme right. The Seventh Division, Brig. Gen. Marcellus M. Crocker commanding, formed line in support and as reserve. The Confederate line was held for more than two hours, when the brigade fell back, mostly in good order, through and beyond the town of Raymond. Six mounted companies of the Third Kentucky (Confederate) Infantry arrived at the close of battle and assisted in covering the retreat. Casualties: Union: killed 66, wounded 339, missing 37, total 442. Seven officers killed. Confederate: killed 73. wounded 251, missing 190, total 514. Nine officers killed or mortally wounded.
16. VICKCW_130522_369.JPG: Campaign, Siege, and Defense of Vicksburg, 1863. Engagement at Jackson, Mississippi, May 14 The Union Army, under command of Maj. Gen. U.S. Grant, was composed of Steele's and Tuttle's Divisions, 15th Corps, Maj. Gen. Wm. T. Sherman commanding; and Logan's and Crocker's Divisions, 17th Corps, Maj. Gen. James B. McPherson commanding. Gen. Grant was with Gen. Sherman. The Confederate Army, under command of Brig. Gen. John Gregg, was composed of Gregg's, Gist's, and Walker's Brigades. Gen. Joseph E. Johnston was in the city. Gist's Brigade was posted on the Clinton Road about three miles west of Jackson. Walker's supported Gist's, and Gregg's was on the right of Gist's. The Third Kentucky Mounted Infantry, a battalion of sharpshooters and Martin's Battery of Walker's Brigade, were posted on the Raymond Road about two miles from the city. The divisions of the 15th Corps marched towards Jackson on the Raymond Road: Tuttle's formed line of battle on both sides of that road and drove the Confederate force into the intrenchment: Steele's formed line on both sides of the railroad: the two divisions advanced and occupied the intrenchments on their respective fronts. The divisions of the 17th Corps marched on the Clinton Road: Crocker's formed line of battle, with Logan's in reserve, drove the Confederate line from its position after a sharp fight, advanced and occupied the intrenchment on its front. Casualties: Union: killed 42, wounded 251, missing 7, total 300. One officer killed. Confederate: killed 17, wounded 64, missing 118, total 199, one officer killed.
17. VICKCW_130522_378.JPG: Campaign, Siege, and Defense of Vicksburg: 1863. Battle of Champion's Hill, Mississippi, May 16. The Union Army, under command of Maj. Gen. U.S. Grant, was composed of the 13th Corps, Blair's Division of the 15th Corps, and Logan's and Crocker's Divisions of the 17th Corps. The Confederate Army, under command of Lieut. Gen. John C. Pemberton, was composed of Stevenson's, Bowen's, and Loring's Divisions, and Wirt Adams' Cavalry. Reynolds' Brigade of Stevenson's Division and Two Union regiments were detailed as train guards. Logan's and Hovey's Divisions were on the right, Osterhaus' and Carr's in the center, A.J. Smith's and Blair's on the left of the Union line. Loring's Division held the right, Bowen's the center, and Stevenson's the left of the Confederate line. The battle was opened about 10:30 or 11 o'clock a.m. by the advance of Logan's and Hovey's Divisions in line of battle: Hovey's attack broke the Confederate line at the angle, captured the guns at that point and at the junction of the Clinton and Middle Raymond Roads, and forced Cumming's Brigade and the right of Lee's to form new lines--the former on the middle Raymond Road, the latter on a ridge between that road and its first position. Bowen's Division reinforced the Confederate left. Formed line of battle under fire about 1"30 p.m., drove back Hovey's Division, recovered the guns at the junction of the two roads and most of the ground lost earlier in the day. Boomer's Brigade of Crocker's Division reinforced Hovey's and became engaged about 2 p.m.: two regiments of Holmes' Brigade of Crocker's Division became engaged a little later and Bowen's advance was checked. About the same time the right and center of Logan's Division reached the Middle Raymond Road and captured the guns on the left of the Confederate line. About 3:30 p.m., the Union batteries concentrated on a commanding ridge opened a heavy fire, the Union line advanced, and the Confederate Army was driven from the field. Stevenson's and Bowen's Divisions crossed Baker's Creek and fell back towards Vicksburg; Loring's Division abandoned its artillery and marched south-eastward to Crystal Springs. Casualties: Union: killed 410, wounded 1844, missing 187, total 2441. Thirty-eight officers killed or mortally wounded. Confederate: killed 380, wounded 1018, missing 2453, total 3851. Brig. Gen. Lloyd Tilghman and thirty-two other officers killed.
18. VICKCW_130522_387.JPG: Campaign, Siege, and Defense of Vicksburg, 1863 Engagement at Big Black River Bridge, Mississippi, May 17. The Union Army under command of Maj. Gen. U.S. Grant, was composed of Osterhuas', Smith's, and Carr's Divisions of the 13th Corps, Maj. Gen. John A. McClernand commanding. The Confederate Army, under command of Brig. Gen. John S. Bowen, was composed of Cockrell's and Green's Brigades of Bowen's Division, Vaughn's Brigade of Smith's Division, and the Fourth Mississippi of Baldwin's Brigade, Smith's Division. Carr's Division was on the right, Osterhaus' in the center, and Smith's on the left of the Union line. The Confederate line was formed in an intrenchment on the east side of Big Black River and across a peninsula formed by a bend in that river; Cockrell's Brigade held the right, Vaughn's and the Fourth Mississippi the center, and Green's the left of the line. After an artillery engagement of about two hours, Lawler's Brigade on the right of Carr's Division attacked in line of battle with fixed bayonets, the Union line advanced along its entire front, and the Confederate Army fell back from the intrenchment in disorder and crossed the river. Casualties: Union: killed 39, wounded 237, missing 3, total 279. Seven officers killed or mortally wounded. Confederate: killed 3, wounded 9, missing 539, total 551 (exclusive of Vaughn's Brigade and Fourth Mississippi, of Baldwin's Brigade not reported). One officer killed.
19. VICKCW_130522_396.JPG: Campaign, Siege, and Defense of Vicksburg, 1863 Assault on the Confederate Line of Defense, May 19. The Union Army, under command of Maj. Gen. U.S. Grant, was composed of three divisions of the 13th, the 15th and the 17th Corps. The Confederate Army, under command of Lieut. Gen. John C. Pemberton, was composed of Stevenson's, Forney's, Smith's, and Bowen's Divisions, and Waul's Texas Legion. The 15th Corps was on the right, the 17th in the center, and the 13th on the left of the Union line. Stevenson's Division held the right, Forney's the center, and Smith's the left of the Confederate line. Bowen's Division and Waul's Texas Legion were in reserve, but Cockrell's Brigade of Bowen's Division was engaged. The Union Army advanced at 2 p.m.: only a reconnaissance in force was accomplished at most points along its line, but Blair's Division of the 15th Corps assaulted the Stockade Redan on the Graveyard Road and carried the colors of some of its regiments close to both faces of that work and to the curtain immediately west of it. Casualties: Union: killed 157, wounded 777, missing 8. Total 942. Fifteen officers killed or mortally wounded. Confederate: not fully reported.
20. VICKCW_130522_402.JPG: Campaign, Siege, and Defense of Vicksburg, 1863. Assault on the Confederate Line of Defense, May 22 The Union Army, under command of Maj. Gen. U.S. Grant, was composed of the 13th, 15th, and 17th Corps. The Confederate Army was under the command of Lieut. Gen. John C. Pemberton, was composed of Stevenson's, Forney's, Smith's and Bowen's Divisions, and Waul's Texas Legion: Bowen's Division and the Legion, in reserve, were engaged. The two were in position on their respective lines as on May 19, except that Waul's Texas Legion had been assigned a position in rear of the left of Lee's Brigade on the left of Stevenson's Division. After a heavy cannonade by every gun in position on the Union lined, assaults were made at 10 a.m.: by the 15th Corps at the Stockade Redan on the Graveyard Road: by the 17th on the right and left of the Jackson Road: and by the 13th at the Lunette on the Baldwin's Ferry Road, the Railroad Redoubt, and the curtain between that redoubt and Fort Carrott: Hall's Brigade of McArthur's Division, 17th Corps. advanced closed to the Confederate line on the Warrenton Road but did not assault: the colors of the leading regiments were carried close to the Confederate works at every point assaulted. A brigade headquarters flag was placed on the parapet of the Stockade Redan. Flags were placed on the parapet of the Railroad Redoubt and that work was temporarily occupied, but no permanent lodgment was anywhere made. Assaults were made in the afternoon: by the 17th Corps at the curtain between the Railroad Redoubt and the Lunette on the Balwin's Ferry Road, at that lunette, at the Jackson Road, and at the curtain north of Glass' Bayou: and by the 15th Corps at the curtain south of the Graveyard Road. At the Stockade Redan on that road, and at a point about one-third of a mile west of that redan: the colors of the leading regiments were again placed on the parapet of the Stockade Redan, but the effort to carry the Confederate line of defense by assault was unsuccessful at every point. Casualties: Union: killed 502. wounded 2550. missing 147. total 3199. Sixty eight officers killed or mortally wounded. Confederate: not fully reported.
21. VICKCW_130522_411.JPG: Campaign, Siege and Defense of Vicksburg, 1863 Siege Operations, May 23-July 4 At the beginning of siege operations, May 23, about 162 guns were on the investment line, most of them in position in hastily constructed batteries. These were enlarged and strengthened and additional guns successively mounted in new batteries at advantageous positions. Embrasures of batteries close to the Confederate line closed against rifle balls by plank shutters or with bags of packed cotton. The first parallel made almost continuous from the right on the river to the left of the 13th Army Corps and, as the approaches were carried forward, second and third parallels opened. Loop holes for sharpshooters made either with sand bags or in a timber on the parapet. 16 principal approaches begun and 11 carried close to the Confederate line. They were loop-holed for sharpshooters wherever opportunity for fire was afforded. 9 galleries for mines started and 2 mines fired, both at the head of Logan's approach. At the end of the siege, July 4, about 220 guns, including all from the Navy, were on the investment line. Largely in position: 89 batteries constructed but about 20 abandoned and their guns moved to the exterior line or to advanced positions: aggregate length of Union trenches 12 miles. The Confederate line of defense, 8 miles long, mounted about 130 guns in 67 batteries, works and connecting curtains loop-holed for sharpshooters. Damage done them by the Union batteries repaired at night. A number of guns disabled by the fire of the Union batteries and, in most cases, new guns could not be mounted in their places. Countermines against Union approaches and mines prepared at 9 places and 4 fired. Retrenchments made in rear of some works but not used as the line of defense was not anywhere broke. The defense largely confined to sharpshooting and maintained for 47 days without relief for the officers and men in the trenches, part of the time without sufficient rations. Reported casualties, May 23-July 4: Union, killed 94, wounded 425, missing 119, total 638, 19 officers killed or mortally wounded: Confederate, not separately reported. Reported casualties, May 18-July 4: Union, killed 766, wounded 3793, missing 276, total 4835. 107 officers killed or mortally wounded. Confederate, river batteries not included, killed 873, wounded 2141, missing 158, total 3172, 93 officers killed or mortally wounded.
22. VICKCW_130522_428.JPG: Campaign, Siege and Defense of Vicksburg, 1863 General Summary of Casualties, March 29-July 4 Union: Dunbar's Plantation, Louisiana, April 15 wounded 2 total 2 Port Gibson, May 1 killed 131 wounded 719 missing 25 total 875 South Fork Bayou Pierre, May 2 wounded 1 total 1 North Fork Bayou Pierre, May 3 killed 1 wounded 6 total 7 Pinhook, Louisiana, May 10 killed 2 wounded 8 missing 3 total 13 Raymond, May 12 killed 42 wounded 251 missing 7 total 300 Fourteen Mile Creek, May 12-13 killed 6 wounded 10 total 16 Jackson, May 14 killed 42 wounded 251 missing 7 total 300 Champion's Hill, May 16 killed 410 wounded 1844 missing 187 total 2441 Big Black River Bridge, May 17 killed 39 wounded 237 missing 3 total 279 Skirmishes about Vicksburg, May 18, 20 and 21 killed 13 wounded 41 missing 2 total 56 Assault on Confederate Line of Defense, May 19 killed 157 wounded 777 missing 8 total 942 Assault on Confederate Line of Defense, May 22 killed 502 wounded 2550 missing 147 total 3199 Mechanicsburg, June 4 killed 1 wounded 5 total 6 Milliken's Bend, Louisiana, June 7 killed 101 wounded 280 missing 265 total 646 Bayou Baxter, Louisiana, June 9 wounded 1 total 1 Birdsong Ferry, June 12 wounded 1 total 1 Richmond, Louisiana, June 15 killed 1 wounded 8 total 9 Hill's Plantation, June 22 killed 8 wounded 16 missing 23 total 47 Ellisville, June 25 missing 37 total 37 Near Lake Providence, Louisiana, June 29 killed 1 wounded 3 missing 144 total 148 On peninsula opposite Vicksburg, June 29 wounded 1 `total 1 Edwards Station, July 1 wounded 3 total 3 On gunboats, in detached infantry regiments killed 6 wounded 26 total 32 Siege operations, May 23-July 4 killed 94 wounded 425 missing 119 total 638 Total killed 1581 wounded 7554 missing 1007 total 10142 Confederate: Action of river batteries, April 22 killed 1 wounded 2 total 3 Grand Gulf, April 29 killed 3 wounded 18 total 21 Haynes' Bluff (Snyder's Mill), April 30 wounded 3 total 3 Port Gibson, May 1 killed 56 wounded 328 missing 341 total 725 Raymond, May 12 killed 73 wounded 251 missing 190 total 514 Jackson, May 14 killed 17 wounded 64 missing 118 total 199 Champion's Hill, May 16 killed 380 wounded 1018 missing 2453 total 3851 Big Black River Bridge, May 17 killed 3 wounded 9 missing 539 total 551 Hill's Plantation, June 22 killed 5 wounded 16 missing 1 total 22 Defense operations, May 18-July 4 killed 875 wounded 2169 missing 158 total 3202 Total killed 1413 wounded 3878 missing 3800 total 9091
23. VICKCW_130522_453.JPG: Thayer's Approach: On May 22, 1863, Union troops commanded by General John M. Thayer stormed up this hill toward the Confederate fort at the top. Slowed by the steep terrain and pushed back by heavy enemy fire, Thayer's men were forced to withdraw. On May 30, the soldiers took up picks and shovels and began a sapping (trenching) operation to approach the fort on the hill. Thayer's approach stretched out from here toward the hill, and then turned to meet a ridgeline running yup the right side of the slope. Sappers dug their way along the ridge to the fort, and then began digging a mine under the wall. They planned to pack the mine with black powder and destroy the Confederate fort. The siege of Vicksburg ended before the approach was complete. Tools of the Trade: Sapping tools included items made from local materials, designed to protect soldiers as they dug trenches. A sap roller was moved along at the head of an advancing trench to protect the digging crew from enemy fire. Gabions, open-ended baskets filled with dirt, shored up trench walls. Tightly bound bundles of brushwood called fascines stabilized the sides of a trench. Placed across the open top of a trench, they provided protection from musket fire. The tunnel at the bottom of the stairs to your left provided safe passage under the exposed ridge and protected Union soldiers from sharpshooters in the Confederate fort. The tunnel was reinforced with brick after the war.
24. VICKCW_130522_465.JPG: U.S. Thayer's Approach. The trench for Thayer's approach to the Confederate work in his front was started about May 30, 1863, on the north side of this ridge, through which it was carried by a tunnel, preserved by the brick arch. The trench across the ravine to the foot of the spur south of this marker, about 6 feet wide and 6 feet deep, was covered by a blinding of bundles of cane laid across it and affording protection against rifle balls. The Confederates did not use artillery against this blinding. When the trench reached cover at base of spur two lines of approach were started and these lines united on top of the spur to form one approach.
25. VICKCW_130522_507.JPG: US Campaign, Siege and Defense Of Vicksburg, 1863 Operations Of The Union Navy, March 29 - July 4 The Vicksburg Campaign would not have been planned and could not have been conducted on the lines on which it was successfully made without the assistance of the Navy. About 26 gunboats and light-draughts of the Mississippi Squadron, with necessary attendants, Acting Rear Admiral David D. Porter commanding, and, during part of the time, the Mississippi Marine Brigade, Brig. Gen. Alfred W. Ellet commanding, co-operated with the Army in the operations of the campaign and siege. The night of April 16, 1863, 8 gunboats, including the ram "General Price," and 3 transports passed the Confederate batteries on the river line at Vicksburg and at Warrenton. 1 transport sunk. Six days later 5 additional transports passed down without material damage and 1 was sunk by the fire of the Confederate batteries at Grand Gulf, April 29, without effectively silencing them. They and the 7 transports ran past these batteries that night and, during the two following days, carried 6 divisions of the army across the river. Landing them at Bruinsburg on the Mississippi side, the other divisions of General Grant's army were carried across the river at later dates. At the beginning of the investment the gunboats below the city attacked the lower Confederate batteries, May 19, May 20, May 21, May 22, and May 27. On the last named day the gunboat "Cincinnati" attacked the upper batteries from above the city and was disabled and sunk. During the siege detachments from the squadron co-operated by making the investment on the river side as complete as possible and by shelling the Confederate batteries and intrenchments: served 7 mortars on mortar boats anchored behind the peninsula opposite the city and, during the latter part of the siege, 3 heavy guns on scows behind the peninsula and at the left-north-of the mortar boats; made expeditions up the Yazoo River and its tributaries and co-operated in the repulse of the Confederate attacks at Young's Point, Milliken's Bend and Goodrich's Landing. 13 heavy guns from the squadron mounted on the investment line in 8 batteries. Detachments from the Marine Brigade were engaged at Richmond, Louisiana, June 15. Casualties, wounded 3. Co-operated in the repulse of the Confederate attack at Goodrich's Landing. Casualties, 1 Officer killed; and served 3 guns on the peninsula opposite the city during the latter part of the siege. Reported casualties in the squadron - including the infantry regiments detailed for service on gunboats - in the campaign and siege: killed 23, drowned 14, wounded 102, missing 1, Total 140, 1 Officer killed.
26. VICKCW_130522_542.JPG: Running the Gauntlet: Lookouts spotted Union vessels on the Mississippi River and sounded the alarm. Within minutes, the night sky blazed with the light of burning bales and tar barrels. In forts like the one you are in, Confederate gunners knew just where to point their guns. One boat sank and all of the others were hit -- but the Federal fleet would run the gauntlet. Union transports were on their way to ferry the army across the river. This was a critical piece of General Ulysses Grant's plan to attack Vicksburg from the east. The problem -- Confederate cannon along the city's bluffs. On April 16, 1863, the Union flotilla successfully floated past this point. After over a year of trying, the Union army was about to cross the Mississippi River. Confederate cannon on top of the bluffs and along the river kept the Union vessels at bay. In 1876, the Mississippi River suddenly and dramatically changed course. The newer bend in the river is what you see from here.
27. VICKCW_130522_554.JPG: Louisiana Circle
28. VICKCW_130522_574.JPG: The Widow Blakely: Because it was the lone Blakely rifled cannon in all the Vicksburg defenses, the Confederate soldiers called this 7.44-inch gun, "The Widow Blakely." During the siege, it was mounted about 1 mile north of its present position. On May 22, 1863, the "Widow" was manned by a detachment of Company H, 1st Louisiana Heavy Artillery, Lt. A.L. Slack, commanding the detail. In that day's action against Union gunboats, one of the "Widow Blakely's" own shells exploded in its muzzle. Later, the Confederates cut away the damaged end and used the gun as a mortar. After the war, "The Widow Blakely" spent 96 years on display at the U.S. Military Academy's Trophy Room.
29. VICKCW_130523_001.JPG: Gibraltar of the Confederacy: Vital supplies of food, clothing, medicine, European-made rifles and soldiers arrived here from the south and west. They were then shipped by rail to the troops fighting in the east. By early 1863, Vicksburg and Port Hudson, Louisiana, were the last remaining Confederate strongholds on the Mississippi River. The high bluffs that you are on provided a first-rate perch for powerful Confederate cannon that kept Federal gunboats at bay. Union leaders knew they had to take this city. Control Vicksburg and they would control the Mississippi -- splitting the Confederacy and crippling its supply line. "Vicksburg is the nailhead that holds the South's two halves together." -- Jefferson Davis Vicksburg Railroad Depot: The railroad that ended at the Mississippi River bank was the last cross-country connection not under Union control in 1863. Mid-19th century Vicksburg was a prosperous port on the nation's greatest artery of commerce -- the Mississippi River.
30. VICKCW_130523_014.JPG: U.S. Battery Benton. Acting Master J. Frank Reed. A detachment of Battery E, 1st Missouri Light Artillery, under Lieut. Joseph B. Atwater and a detail of enlisted men of the 34th Iowa Infantry, all under Acting Master J. Frank Reed of the gunboat "Benton," served two 42-pounder rifled guns in this position, Battery Benton, from the morning of July 1 to the end of the siege, July 4, 1863. A shell from the Confederate mortar in South Fort exploded in the battery, July 1, killing 2 and badly wounding 4 enlisted men of the 34th Iowa Infantry.
31. VICKCW_130523_037.JPG: A Stronghold on the Bluffs: In mid-19th century America, rivers were highways. And the Mississippi was the greatest of them all -- the nation's main artery for commerce leading all the way to the Gulf of Mexico. By early 1863, two Confederate strongholds still blocked Union shipping from a key section of the river: Port Hudson in Louisiana, and here at Vicksburg. Vicksburg's river port and railroad hub were critical to the Confederacy. Vital supplies and troops arrived from the south and west, and then traveled to armies in the east via railroad. Powerful cannon on the bluffs commanded this important stretch of the Mississippi River. The waterway you see from here today is not the Mississippi -- it's a diversion canal from the Yazoo River. During the Civil War, the Mississippi ran along the base of these bluffs. In 1876, the river suddenly changed course. It now fronts modern-day Vicksburg only at the city's southern edge. Safeguarding the River: You are standing at the highest point along the Vicksburg bluffs. During the Civil War, this spot provided a perfect perch for Confederate guns to guard the Mississippi -- and to prevent Union vessels from getting past.
32. VICKCW_130523_045.JPG: C.S. Campaign, Siege and Defense of Vicksburg, 1863. Operations of the River Batteries, March 29-July 4. The river batteries, under command of Colonel Edward Higgins, C.S. Artillery, were served by six companies of Tennessee Heavy Artillery on the right, four companies of the 8th Louisiana Heavy Artillery Battalion in the center and eight companies of the 1st Louisiana Heavy Artillery on the left. Two companies of the 22d Louisiana were attached to the left and the Vaiden (Mississippi) Battery to the center of the command. It was charged with the duty of opposing the passage of Union gunboats and transports and was in action: the night of April 16, when eight gunboats and three transports passed, without reported casualties, one transport sunk; the night of April 22, when six transports passed, casualties, killed 1, wounded 2, total 3, one transport sunk; and the night of May 3, when a tug and two loaded barges attempted to pass but were sunk, without reported casualties. At the beginning of the investment, May 18, about 38 heavy guns were in position on the river line and 13 light pieces posted on the city front. Eleven light and six of the heavy guns were successively moved to the line of defense with the detachments serving them but one of the heavy guns was moved back to the river line. During the investment, May 18--July 4, the river batteries were opposed to the gunboats below the city. The mortars behind the peninsula, and the guns on the peninsula and on scows, and were engaged May 19, May 20, May 21, May 22 and May 27, with the gunboats below the city. On the last named day the gunboat "Cincinnati" attacked the upper batteries and was disabled and sunk on the Mississippi side of the great bend in the river above the city, after an action of 30 minutes. Reported casualties in command during the investment: killed and wounded about 30.
33. VICKCW_130523_061.JPG: Explore the Defenses: In order to guard Vicksburg from Union attack, the Confederates built a ring of forts around the city's north, east, and south sides. You are standing at the northernmost point of these defenses. From here, the tour road travels east then south along Confederate lines. Here you can see: * Confederate state memorials that honor the troops who fought here * Forts like Stockade Redan, Great Redoubt, Railroad Redoubt, and Fort Garrott * The site where General Grant and General Pemberton met to discuss surrender terms The eleven steps that lead up to the Texas Memorial symbolize the eleven seceded states. Louisiana's state memorial stands at the highest point in the park, atop Great Redoubt. The Missouri Memorial's friezes show opposing regiments from this state facing off during the "War Between Brothers."
34. VICKCW_130523_068.JPG: Watching the Approach: On this steep hill crowned by rifle pits, Confederates easily threw back a Union assault on May 22, 1863. During the siege that followed, Confederate sharpshooters could only harass Union troops as they slowly dug trenches up the hill.
35. VICKCW_130523_075.JPG: Thayer's Approach
36. VICKCW_130523_084.JPG: U.S. Thayer's Approach. End of Thayer's approach to Confederate work in front. Carried to this point about July 3. And a gallery for a mine begun but not finished. Work in charge of Capt. Herman Klostermann.
37. VICKCW_130523_118.JPG: Defending Graveyard Road: You are standing next to Stockade Redan, one of nine large Confederate forts built to guard routes into Vicksburg. The massive outer wall of the redan, made of packed earth faced with logs, originally rose 14 feet high. A seven-foot-deep ditch added more protection to the front of the wall. On May 19 and 22, about 400 men held this ground against relentless cannon fire and waves of attackers. A 47-day siege followed. Starvation and disease did what the Union assaults could not. This fort and the 30,000-man army defending Vicksburg surrendered July 4, 1863.
38. VICKCW_130523_133.JPG: U.S. Ewing's Approach Point at which a gallery for a mine was started, June 24, from left trench cavalier. The night of June 25, Confederate countermines ere fired near the heads of the galleries started from right and left trenches cavalier and work in them stopped.
39. VICKCW_130523_215.JPG: This ranger, who had been brought to the park from another park for sesquicentennial activities, was checking out places where his ancestors had fought.
40. VICKCW_130523_221.JPG: Confederate Position Tablet Small Redan on Left of Green's Brigade. This redan and the line immediately to its right were held, the afternoon of May 19, 1863, and the assaults of the Union force repulsed by the 7th Mississippi Infantry Battalion, the 5th Missouri Infantry, and one company of the 1st and 4th Missouri Infantry (Consolidated). The casualties cannot be accurately stated. This redan, after June 2, was held by the 20th Arkansas of Green's Brigade. Gen. Green was killed in it the morning of June 27. Two countermines against the Union approach were prepared, but not fired.
41. VICKCW_130523_286.JPG: Surrender negotiation site
42. VICKCW_130523_302.JPG: Site of interview between Maj. Gen. U.S. Grant USA and Lt. Genl Pemberton July 4th, 1863
43. VICKCW_130523_313.JPG: The End in Sight: After 47 days under siege, the battle could only end in surrender -- or a dramatic rescue. Inside Vicksburg, General Pemberton faced harsh realities -- one third of his troops were too sick to fight, their drinking water was contaminated, they were short of food and ammunition. Union troops and cannon completely surrounded him. Then came a final message from General Johnston saying his army in central Mississippi was too weak to relieve Vicksburg. Pemberton asked Grant for surrender terms. Grant did not want to have to feed 30,000 prisoners of war, or transport so many men north to prison camps. He offered to let Vicksburg's defenders go home, if they promised that they would not fight against the United States again until exchanged. Pemberton accepted the terms. On July 4th, the Confederates handed over their guns. Union troops marched victoriously into the city. "On 3rd July 1863 at about ten o'clock a.m., white flags appeared on a portion of the Rebel works. It was a glorious sight to officers and soldiers on the line..." -- Ulysses S. Grant At the Visitor Center you can see a 10-foot-tall marble column that first marked the Surrender Interview Site near here in 1864. Souvenir hunters later damaged the monument. To keep this monument safe, the National Park Service put the column inside the museum.
44. VICKCW_130523_318.JPG: Tilghman memorial
45. VICKCW_130523_335.JPG: Brigadier General Lloyd Tilghman CSA Commanding first bridge of Loring's Division Killed May 16, 1863 Near the close of the battle of Champion's Hill, Miss.
46. VICKCW_130523_344.JPG: A Formidable Obstacle: The earthen slope in front of you marks the southern edge of Great Redoubt, the largest folk and highest point on the defensive line. Today's tour road follows the deep. dry moat that once fronted the wall of the fort and gave the Confederates extra protection against assault. Forts Guard the Roads: The Great Redoubt and the Third Louisiana Redan were built to guard the Jackson Road. When direct Union assaults on these and other forts along the Confederate line failed, Grant switched to siege tactics to take the city. Redoubt: A rectangular fort that protects the troops and artillery inside from attack from any direction. Redan: A triangular fort that projects our in front of the defensive line, allowing soldiers inside to fire into the flanks of attacking troops.
47. VICKCW_130523_383.JPG: C.S. River Batteries, Army of Vicksburg Colonel Ed Higgins 1st Louisiana Heavy Artillery Colonel C.A. Fuller Lieut. Col. D. Beltzhoover 8th Louisiana Heavy Artillery Battalion Major F.N. Ogden 22nd Louisiana (Detachment) Captain Samuel Jones 1st Tennessee Heavy Artillery Colonel A. Jackson, Jr. Tennessee Battery Captain T.N. Johnston Tennessee Battery Captain J.P. Lynch Vaiden (Mississippi) Battery Captain S.C. Bains The command, at the beginning of the defense, May 18, 1863, was in charge of about thirty-eight heavy guns in position on the river front line, and thirteen light guns on the city front. Eleven light and six heavy guns were successively ordered to the rear line of defense with the detachments serving them, but one heavy gun was moved back to the river line. The attacks of the Union gunboats were repulsed May 22 and May 27. The gunboat "Cincinnati" being sunk in the great bend of the river by the upper batteries on the last named day. Casualties: In opposing the passage of the Union transports. The night of April 22, killed 1, wounded 2, total 3; and during the defense, about 30 killed and wounded.
48. VICKCW_130523_390.JPG: Campaign, Siege, and Defense of Vicksburg: 1863 Battle of Port Gibson, Mississippi, May 1. The Union Army, under command of Maj. Gen. U.s. Grant, was composed of the 13th Corps and Logan's Division of the 17th Corps. The Confederate Army, under command of Brig. Gen. John S. Bowen, was composed of Tracy's Cockrell's, Green's, and Baldwin's Brigades, the 6th Mississippi Infantry, the Botetourt (Virginia) Artillery, and a section of Hudson's (Mississippi) Battery. Most of the Confederate Regiments made forced marches to reach the battlefield and arrived with thinned ranks. Tracy's Brigade held the right, Green's and the Sixth Mississippi the left of the Confederate line. The battle was opened at an early hour by the advance of Carr's and Hovey's Divisions on the right and Osterhaus' on the left of the Union line, Smith's Division in reserve. The Confederate left was driven back about 10 a.m. and Baldwin's Brigade, just arrived, formed a new line about one and one-half miles in rear of the first position. Two regiments, just arrived, of Cockrell's Brigade were posted on the new line: Green's Brigade and one regiment, just arrived, of Cockrell's Brigade were ordered to the Confederate right which had retired a little from its first position. The First Brigade of Logan's Division was sent on arrival, to the Union left. The Third reinforced the Union right and Smith's Division became engaged: the Second Brigade of Logan's Division did not arrive until near the close of the battle. The Confederate line was held until about 5:30 p.m., when both wings were driven from their positions and fell back across Bayou Pierre. The First and Fourth Missouri Infantry (Consolidated) of Cockrell's Brigade arriving in time to assist in covering the retreat. Casualties: Union: killed 131, wounded 719, missing 25, total 875, one officer killed. Confederate: killed 56, wounded 328, missing 341, total 7525, Brig. Gen. E.D. Tracy and three other officers killed.
49. VICKCW_130523_395.JPG: Campaign, Siege, and Defense of Vicksburg, 1863 Engagement at Raymond, Mississippi, May 12 The Union Army, under command of Maj. Gen. James B. McPherson, was composed of the Third and Seventh Divisions, 17th Corps. The Confederate Army, under command of Brig. Gen. John Gregg, was composed of Gregg's Brigade and a squadron of Wirt Adams' Cavalry. The Battle was opened by the advance of the Third Division, Maj. Gen. John A. Logan commanding -- Smith's Brigade on the right, Dennis' on the left, and Stevenson's at first in reserve but later on the extreme right. The Seventh Division, Brig. Gen. Marcellus M. Crocker commanding, formed line in support and as reserve. The Confederate line was held for more than two hours, when the brigade fell back, mostly in good order, through and beyond the town of Raymond. Six mounted companies of the Third Kentucky (Confederate) Infantry arrived at the close of battle and assisted in covering the retreat. Casualties: Union: killed 66, wounded 339, missing 37, total 442. Seven officers killed. Confederate: killed 73. wounded 251, missing 190, total 514. Nine officers killed or mortally wounded.
50. VICKCW_130523_408.JPG: Campaign, Siege, and Defense of Vicksburg, 1863. Engagement at Jackson, Mississippi, May 14 The Union Army, under command of Maj. Gen. U.S. Grant, was composed of Steele's and Tuttle's Divisions, 15th Corps, Maj. Gen. Wm. T. Sherman commanding; and Logan's and Crocker's Divisions, 17th Corps, Maj. Gen. James B. McPherson commanding. Gen. Grant was with Gen. Sherman. The Confederate Army, under command of Brig. Gen. John Gregg, was composed of Gregg's, Gist's, and Walker's Brigades. Gen. Joseph E. Johnston was in the city. Gist's Brigade was posted on the Clinton Road about three miles west of Jackson. Walker's supported Gist's, and Gregg's was on the right of Gist's. The Third Kentucky Mounted Infantry, a battalion of sharpshooters and Martin's Battery of Walker's Brigade, were posted on the Raymond Road about two miles from the city. The divisions of the 15th Corps marched towards Jackson on the Raymond Road: Tuttle's formed line of battle on both sides of that road and drove the Confederate force into the intrenchment: Steele's formed line on both sides of the railroad: the two divisions advanced and occupied the intrenchments on their respective fronts. The divisions of the 17th Corps marched on the Clinton Road: Crocker's formed line of battle, with Logan's in reserve, drove the Confederate line from its position after a sharp fight, advanced and occupied the intrenchment on its front. Casualties: Union: killed 42, wounded 251, missing 7, total 300. One officer killed. Confederate: killed 17, wounded 64, missing 118, total 199, one officer killed.
51. VICKCW_130523_410.JPG: Campaign, Siege, and Defense of Vicksburg: 1863. Battle of Champion's Hill, Mississippi, May 16. The Union Army, under command of Maj. Gen. U.S. Grant, was composed of the 13th Corps, Blair's Division of the 15th Corps, and Logan's and Crocker's Divisions of the 17th Corps. The Confederate Army, under command of Lieut. Gen. John C. Pemberton, was composed of Stevenson's, Bowen's, and Loring's Divisions, and Wirt Adams' Cavalry. Reynolds' Brigade of Stevenson's Division and Two Union regiments were detailed as train guards. Logan's and Hovey's Divisions were on the right, Osterhaus' and Carr's in the center, A.J. Smith's and Blair's on the left of the Union line. Loring's Division held the right, Bowen's the center, and Stevenson's the left of the Confederate line. The battle was opened about 10:30 or 11 o'clock a.m. by the advance of Logan's and Hovey's Divisions in line of battle: Hovey's attack broke the Confederate line at the angle, captured the guns at that point and at the junction of the Clinton and Middle Raymond Roads, and forced Cumming's Brigade and the right of Lee's to form new lines--the former on the middle Raymond Road, the latter on a ridge between that road and its first position. Bowen's Division reinforced the Confederate left. Formed line of battle under fire about 1"30 p.m., drove back Hovey's Division, recovered the guns at the junction of the two roads and most of the ground lost earlier in the day. Boomer's Brigade of Crocker's Division reinforced Hovey's and became engaged about 2 p.m.: two regiments of Holmes' Brigade of Crocker's Division became engaged a little later and Bowen's advance was checked. About the same time the right and center of Logan's Division reached the Middle Raymond Road and captured the guns on the left of the Confederate line. About 3:30 p.m., the Union batteries concentrated on a commanding ridge opened a heavy fire, the Union line advanced, and the Confederate Army was driven from the field. Stevenson's and Bowen's Divisions crossed Baker's Creek and fell back towards Vicksburg; Loring's Division abandoned its artillery and marched south-eastward to Crystal Springs. Casualties: Union: killed 410, wounded 1844, missing 187, total 2441. Thirty-eight officers killed or mortally wounded. Confederate: killed 380, wounded 1018, missing 2453, total 3851. Brig. Gen. Lloyd Tilghman and thirty-two other officers killed.
52. VICKCW_130523_420.JPG: Campaign, Siege, and Defense of Vicksburg, 1863 Engagement at Big Black River Bridge, Mississippi, May 17. The Union Army under command of Maj. Gen. U.S. Grant, was composed of Osterhuas', Smith's, and Carr's Divisions of the 13th Corps, Maj. Gen. John A. McClernand commanding. The Confederate Army, under command of Brig. Gen. John S. Bowen, was composed of Cockrell's and Green's Brigades of Bowen's Division, Vaughn's Brigade of Smith's Division, and the Fourth Mississippi of Baldwin's Brigade, Smith's Division. Carr's Division was on the right, Osterhaus' in the center, and Smith's on the left of the Union line. The Confederate line was formed in an intrenchment on the east side of Big Black River and across a peninsula formed by a bend in that river; Cockrell's Brigade held the right, Vaughn's and the Fourth Mississippi the center, and Green's the left of the line. After an artillery engagement of about two hours, Lawler's Brigade on the right of Carr's Division attacked in line of battle with fixed bayonets, the Union line advanced along its entire front, and the Confederate Army fell back from the intrenchment in disorder and crossed the river. Casualties: Union: killed 39, wounded 237, missing 3, total 279. Seven officers killed or mortally wounded. Confederate: killed 3, wounded 9, missing 539, total 551 (exclusive of Vaughn's Brigade and Fourth Mississippi, of Baldwin's Brigade not reported). One officer killed.
53. VICKCW_130523_427.JPG: Campaign, Siege, and Defense of Vicksburg, 1863 Assault on the Confederate Line of Defense, May 19. The Union Army, under command of Maj. Gen. U.S. Grant, was composed of three divisions of the 13th, the 15th and the 17th Corps. The Confederate Army, under command of Lieut. Gen. John C. Pemberton, was composed of Stevenson's, Forney's, Smith's, and Bowen's Divisions, and Waul's Texas Legion. The 15th Corps was on the right, the 17th in the center, and the 13th on the left of the Union line. Stevenson's Division held the right, Forney's the center, and Smith's the left of the Confederate line. Bowen's Division and Waul's Texas Legion were in reserve, but Cockrell's Brigade of Bowen's Division was engaged. The Union Army advanced at 2 p.m.: only a reconnaissance in force was accomplished at most points along its line, but Blair's Division of the 15th Corps assaulted the Stockade Redan on the Graveyard Road and carried the colors of some of its regiments close to both faces of that work and to the curtain immediately west of it. Casualties: Union: killed 157, wounded 777, missing 8. Total 942. Fifteen officers killed or mortally wounded. Confederate: not fully reported.
54. VICKCW_130523_442.JPG: Campaign, Siege, and Defense of Vicksburg, 1863. Assault on the Confederate Line of Defense, May 22 The Union Army, under command of Maj. Gen. U.S. Grant, was composed of the 13th, 15th, and 17th Corps. The Confederate Army was under the command of Lieut. Gen. John C. Pemberton, was composed of Stevenson's, Forney's, Smith's and Bowen's Divisions, and Waul's Texas Legion: Bowen's Division and the Legion, in reserve, were engaged. The two were in position on their respective lines as on May 19, except that Waul's Texas Legion had been assigned a position in rear of the left of Lee's Brigade on the left of Stevenson's Division. After a heavy cannonade by every gun in position on the Union lined, assaults were made at 10 a.m.: by the 15th Corps at the Stockade Redan on the Graveyard Road: by the 17th on the right and left of the Jackson Road: and by the 13th at the Lunette on the Baldwin's Ferry Road, the Railroad Redoubt, and the curtain between that redoubt and Fort Carrott: Hall's Brigade of McArthur's Division, 17th Corps. advanced closed to the Confederate line on the Warrenton Road but did not assault: the colors of the leading regiments were carried close to the Confederate works at every point assaulted. A brigade headquarters flag was placed on the parapet of the Stockade Redan. Flags were placed on the parapet of the Railroad Redoubt and that work was temporarily occupied, but no permanent lodgment was anywhere made. Assaults were made in the afternoon: by the 17th Corps at the curtain between the Railroad Redoubt and the Lunette on the Balwin's Ferry Road, at that lunette, at the Jackson Road, and at the curtain north of Glass' Bayou: and by the 15th Corps at the curtain south of the Graveyard Road. At the Stockade Redan on that road, and at a point about one-third of a mile west of that redan: the colors of the leading regiments were again placed on the parapet of the Stockade Redan, but the effort to carry the Confederate line of defense by assault was unsuccessful at every point. Casualties: Union: killed 502. wounded 2550. missing 147. total 3199. Sixty eight officers killed or mortally wounded. Confederate: not fully reported.
55. VICKCW_130523_443.JPG: Campaign, Siege and Defense of Vicksburg, 1863. Siege Operations, May 23-July 4 At the beginning of siege operations, May 23, about 162 guns were on the investment line, most of them in position in hastily constructed batteries. These were enlarged and strengthened and additional guns successively mounted in new batteries at advantageous positions. Embrasures of batteries close to the Confederate line closed against rifle balls by plank shutters or with bags of packed cotton. The first parallel made almost continuous from the right on the river to the left of the 13th Army Corps and, as the approaches were carried forward, second and third parallels opened. Loop holes for sharpshooters made either with sand bags or in a timber on the parapet. 16 principal approaches begun and 11 carried close to the Confederate line. They were loop-holed for sharp shooters wherever opportunity for fire was afforded. 9 galleries for mines started and 2 mines fired, both at the head of Logan's Approach. At the end of the siege, July 4, about 220 guns, including all from the Navy, were on the investment line, largely in position: 39 batteries constructed but about 20 abandoned and their guns moved to the exterior line or to advanced positions: Aggregate length of Union trenches 12 miles. The Confederate line of defense, 8 miles long, mounted about 130 guns in 67 batteries. Works and connecting curtains loop-holed for sharpshooters. Damage done them by the Union batteries repaired at night. A number of guns disabled by the fire of the Union batteries and, in most cases, new guns could not be mounted in their places. Countermines against Union approaches and mines prepared at 9 places and 4 fired. Retrenchments made in rear of some works but not used as the line of defense was not any where broke. The defense largely confined to sharpshooting and maintained for 47 days without relief for the officers and men in the trenches, part of the time without sufficient rations. Reported casualties, May 23-July 4: Union, killed 94, wounded 425, missing 119, total 638; 19 officers killed or mortally wounded: Confederate, not separately reported. Reported casualties, May 18-July 4: Union, killed 766, wounded 3793, missing 276, total 4835, 107 officers killed or mortally wounded. Confederate, River Batteries not included, killed 873, wounded 2141, missing 158, total 3172, 93 officers killed or mortally wounded.
56. VICKCW_130523_474.JPG: Burbridge's Brigade Assault May 22 1863 This brigade was formed for the assault in support of Benton's. Advanced when that brigade became engaged and took position on its right -- the 16th Indiana on the left the 83d Ohio in the center the 67th Indiana on the right and the 23d Wisconsin at first in reserve but soon ordered to support the right of the brigade with four companies and the left with six. Gen Burbridge commanding brigade was ordered by Gen Carr to send two regiments of his command to reinforce Gen Benton's left: in obedience to that order the 67th Indiana and 23d Wisconsin were withdrawn from the line. The order however was soon countermanded and the two regiments were returned to the brigade line. A 6 pounder gun of the Chicago Mercantile Battery was ordered to the front and drawn by hand with the assistance of enlisted men of this brigade and of Benton's Brigade to a position about thirty feet from the Confederate Lunette, against which it was vigorously served. The brigade maintained its position until near sunset when it was relieved by Sanborn's Brigade and retired. This tablet marks the right of the 16th Indiana and the left of the 83d Ohio as the brigade line was formed at the time of its closest approach to the Confederate intrenchment. Casualties: 16th Indiana killed 2, wounded 12, total 14; 67th Indiana killed 6, wounded 23, total 29; 83d Ohio killed 4, wounded 19, total 23; 23d Wisconsin killed 2, wounded 28, missing 2, total 32. Aggregate killed 14, wounded 82, missing 2, total 98.
57. VICKCW_130523_485.JPG: Union Position Tablet Benton's Brigade: Assault May 22 1863 This brigade advanced by the right flank at 10 00 am to assault the Confederate Lunette on the Baldwin's Ferry Road through the ravine that debouches on that road immediately in front of the left face of that lunette in order from right to left as follows: 99th Illinois, 33d Illinois, 8th Indiana, 18th Indiana. The regiments encountered a very severe fire as they successively approached the head of the ravine and the brigade took position in front of both faces of the Confederate Lunette and the curtain south of it: the 99th Illinois around the salient angle of the lunette, the 18th Indiana on its right, the 33d Illinois on the left of the 99th Illinois, and the 8th Indiana still farther to the left. Detaehmonts of the two last named regiments crossed the railroad and took position in front of the Confederate railroad redoubt. The positions gained were held either until detachments of the brigade were relieved by Sanborn's Brigade or until after dark when all the detachments not previously relieved retired. This tablet marks the right of the 99th Illinois as that regiment first formed under fire around the Confederate Lunette and the point where its right substantially remained until the brigade was relieved. Casualties 33d Illinois: killed 13, wounded 59, total 72; 99th Illinois killed 19, wounded 77, missing 6, total 102 (Lieut Thomas J Kinman killed Capt Eli R Smith and Lieut William Gray mortally wounded); 8th Indiana killed 22, wounded 95, total 117 (Capts Andrew O Daniel Frederick S Wysong and Hiram Y Vandevender killed0; 18th Indiana killed 7, wounded 39, missing 1, total 47 (Major John C Jenks and Lieut John L Lowes mortally wounded); 1st United States serving siege guns wounded 3. Aggregate killed 61, wounded 273, missing 7, total 341.
58. VICKCW_130523_505.JPG: Briefly Breaching the Line: At daybreak on May 22, 1863, hundreds of Federal cannon opened fire. The second Union attempt to take Vicksburg began. Three miles of Confederate fortifications were bombarded for four hours. Then the Union guns fell silent. Troops charged forward. Here at Railroad Redoubt soldiers scrambled up the parapets and rushed through a breach in the fort wall. Vicious hand-to-hand combat followed, as the Federals fought to hold the fort. But their success was short-lived. Confederate reinforcements arrived. The attackers were driven out. The Union assault failed here and all along the line that day. Measuring his losses and the Confederate's formidable defenses, Grant decided to take Vicksburg by siege, not by storm. Guarding the Railroad: Nine Confederate forts guarded Vicksburg. Connecting these strongholds was a nearly continuous series of trenches. Railroad Redoubt guarded the tracks of the Southern Railroad of Mississippi leading into the city.
59. VICKCW_130523_540.JPG: Black's Approach
60. VICKCW_130531_082.JPG: Overwhelming Firepower: The Union siege of Vicksburg was successful because of places like this. At Battery De Golyer, the Union army concentrated its cannon. Confederates spread theirs out. When a Confederate cannon fired, many Union guns replied, knocking out the enemy gun. Confederate General Pemberton moved his artillery back. Without the threat of enemy shells, Union troops dug toward Confederate Lines. Battery De Golyer continued to pound Confederate fortifications and troops. After 47 days, weakened Confederates were forced to surrender. Captain Samuel De Golyer commanded Federal guns here. Straight Shot: This is one of the few spots today with a clear view of the enemy's defenses. During the siege, this was true across the entire battlefield. Why? Long before the war, settlers had cleared the heavily wooded land in this area for farming. Later, Confederate forces cut down any remaining trees to build fortifications and eliminate cover for approaching enemy troops. Since the Civil War, forests have grown up, blocking most of the views between the Confederate and Union positions.
61. VICKCW_130531_092.JPG: U.S. Logan's Approach On the line of Logan's approach to the Confederate Third Louisiana Redan: carried to this point, June 6. Trench 8 feet wide, 7 feet deep, with parapet and timber loop-holed for sharpshooters.
62. VICKCW_130531_093.JPG: Union Position Tablet. Affair of the Crater: June 25-26, 1863. A mine at the head of Logan's Approach to the Third Louisiana Redan, was begun on June 23, finished the forenoon of June 25, and charged with 2200 pounds of powder. Leggett's (1st) Brigade of Logan's (3rd) Division, 17th Corps, occupied the trenches, under orders to assault. The mine was fired about 3:30 p.m. and, before the smoke had cleared away, the 45th Illinois, at the head of the column, occupied the crater made by the explosion and opened fire on the Confederates behind the parapet across the gorge of the redan. The 20th Illinois relieved the 45th and was relieved by the 31st Illinois. The 56th Illinois relieved the 31st and was relieved by the 23d Indiana. The 17th Iowa relieved the 23d Indiana and was relieved by the 31st Illinois at 2 a.m. of the 26th. The 45th Illinois relieved the 31st at daylight, and was relieved by the 124th Illinois at 10 a.m.; that regiment held the position until 5 p.m., when fighting ceased in the crater. Hand grenades were freely used on both sides. Shells with lighted fuses, used as grenades by the Confederates, were, in some instances, thrown back before they exploded. This tablet marks the part of the crater nearest the Confederate parapet across the gorge of the redan. Casualties: 20th Illinois, killed 2, wounded 7, total 9: 31st Illinois, killed 7, wounded 27, total 34. Lieut. Col. John D. Rees and Capt. Levi B. Casey mortally wounded; 45th Illinois, killed 8, wounded 62, total 70. Capt. Leander B. Fisk, Acting Major, killed, Lieut. Col. Melancthon Smith mortally wounded: 124th Illinois, killed 6, wounded 49, total 55, Lieut. Julius A. Pratt killed: 23d Indiana, killed 8, wounded 31, total 39. Capt. William M. Darrough mortally wounded: aggregate in First Brigade, Third Division, from May 23 to July 4, inclusive, killed 31, wounded 176, total 207, largely in crater. All officers named (except Capt. Darrough, wounded July 1) killed or mortally wounded in that affair. 56th Illinois, killed 4, wounded 13, total 17, Lieut. Andrew E. Walbright killed: 17th Iowa, killed 3, wounded 34, total 37: Aggregate in second Brigade, Seventh Division, killed 7, wounded 47, total 54, all in crater.
63. VICKCW_130531_099.JPG: U.S. Logan's Approach: End of Logan's approach to the Confederate Third Louisiana Redan: carried to this point, June 22, and a gallery for a mine begun next day. The gallery carried 40 feet to the front and a mine at its head. Charge with 2200 pounds of powder, fired about 3:30pm, June 25. Another gallery was started from a covered gallery constructed in crater made by explosion, and the mine at its head fired the afternoon of July 1.
64. VICKCW_130531_100.JPG: Confederate Position Tablet Third Louisiana Redan, on Left of Jackson Road. This redan was held, May 22, 1863, and the assaults of the Union force repulsed, by the Third Louisiana, with the 43d Mississippi on its left. The casualties cannot be accurately stated. A Union mine was fired under the redan the afternoon of June 25, almost destroying its front parapet, making a crater in its terreplain, but not injuring a parapet across its gorge. It was then held by the 3d Louisiana, supported by the 6th Missouri, with the 38th Mississippi on the right and the 43d Mississippi on the left. The Union force assaulted immediately after the mine was fired, occupied the crater and attempted to carry the parapet across the gorge of the redan, but was repulsed. Col. Erwin, 6th Missouri, at the head of some of his men, attempted a counter-charge and was killed on top of the parapet. The Union force in the crater was successively relieved by fresh troops. The fighting continued all night and most of the next day, and the position was firmly held. Hand grenades, and shells with lighted fuses in place of grenades, were freely used on both sides. After dark of the 25th, the 5th Missouri reinforced this position. Casualties: 3d Louisiana, killed 6, wounded 21, total 27: 38th Mississippi, killed 1, wounded 3, total 4: 43d Mississippi, killed 6 (buried by firing of mine), wounded 5, total 11: 5th Missouri, killed 1, wounded 7, total 8: 6th Missouri, killed 3, wounded 22, total 25, Col. Eugene Erwin and Lieut W.S. Lipscomb killed; Aggregate, killed 17, wounded 58, total 75. The 2d Missouri was moved to this position the night of June 26, and the 1st and 4th Missouri (Consolidated) the evening of July 1. In the afternoon of that day a second mine was fired under the redan, almost completely destroying both its faces and materially damaging the parapet across its gorge, but no assault was made by the Union force. Lieut Col. Pembroke S. Senteny, 2d Missouri, and Lieuts. John T. Crenshaw and John Roseberry, 6th Missouri, were killed-Lieut. Crenshaw being buried by the firing of the mine.
65. VICKCW_130531_174.JPG: Union Position Tablet Ewing's Brigade: Assault, May 22, 1863 Blair's Division was massed for the assault, the morning of May 22, on the left of the Graveyard Road and about 900 yards from the Confederate Stockade Redan. A volunteer storming party of 150 men from the regiments of the division, under command of Capt. John H. Groce, 30th Ohio, with Gen. Ewing's Headquarters flag carried by Private Howell G. Trogden, 8th Missouri, at the head of the column, advanced at 10 a.m. by the flank, on the Graveyard Road, followed by Ewing's Brigade--the 30th Ohio leading. The headquarters flag was placed on the parapet of the Confederate redan, and the storming party took position in the ditch and on the north face of the parapet. The 30th Ohio advanced close to the angle of the redan but was compelled to seek shelter from the Confederate fire, and the brigade was reformed behind the crest of the ridge, at the left of the road, and about 140 yards from the Confederate line. This position was held continuously, and that night, the dead, the wounded and the colors were brought back to it, and intrenchments were begun. This tablet marks the point on the parapet of the Confederate redan where Gen. Ewing's headquarters flag was placed. Casualties: 30th Ohio, killed 6, wounded 43, missing 2, total 51, Capt. Thomas Hayes killed, Lieut. Hiram J. Davis mortally wounded; 37th Ohio, killed 10, wounded 31, total 41; 47th Ohio, killed 6, wounded 26, missing 1, total 33; 4th west Virginia, killed 3, wounded 16, total 19; aggregate, killed 25, wounded 116, missing 3, total 144.
66. VICKCW_130531_181.JPG: Union Position Tablet Mower's Brigade: Assault, Afternoon of May 22, 1863 Mower's and Matthies' Brigades of Tuttle's Division were massed for the assault, the morning of May 22, on the left of the Graveyard Road and in rear of Blair's Division. The two brigades remained in this position until about 3 p.m., when Mower's Brigade-the 11th Missouri leading. Followed by the 47th Illinois, advanced to the assault, by the flank, on the Graveyard Road. Followed by Matthies' Brigade-the 12th Iowa leading. The flag of the 11th Missouri was placed on the parapet of the Confederate stockade redan. Close to Gen. Ewing's headquarters flag; Col. Weber and a few officers and men of that regiment took position in the ditch and on the outside slope of the parapet, but the brigade was compelled to seek shelter from the Confederate fire and was ordered into a ravine, from which it was withdrawn, after dark. This tablet marks the point on the parapet of the Stockade Redan where the flag of the 11th Missouri was placed. Casualties: 47th Illinois, killed 5, wounded 33, total 38; 5th Minnesota, killed 2, wounded 1, missing 7, total 10; 11th Missouri, killed 7, wounded 85, total 92. Lieut. Charles H. Brookings mortally wounded; 8th Wisconsin, killed 3, wounded 17, missing 22, total 42, Lieut. Willard D. Chapman killed, Capt. Stephen Estee mortally wounded; aggregate, killed 17, wounded 136, missing 29, total 182.
67. VICKCW_130531_199.JPG: Confederate Position Tablet Stockade Redan on Graveyard Road This redan, the line immediately to its right, and part of the stockade to its left were held, the afternoon of May 19, 1863, and the assaults of the Union force repulsed, by the 36th Mississippi, with the 5th Missouri in support, on its east face; and the 1st and 4th Missouri (Consolidated) on its north face and part of the line of the stockade. The 3d Missouri was in reserve. Casualties: in 36th Mississippi, cannot be accurately stated; in Cockrell's Brigade, killed 8, wounded 62, total 70, nearly all in this position. The position was held, May 22, and the assaults of the Union force repulsed by the 36th Mississippi and six companies of the 1st and 4th Missouri in reserve, were moved from point to point, as required. Casualties: In Hebert's Brigade, killed 21, wounded 39, total 60-not distributed between this redan and the other points on the brigade line, Major Alexander Yates, 36th Mississippi, killed; in Cockrell's Brigade, killed 28, wounded 95, total 123, nearly all in this position; in 3d Missouri, of that brigade, killed 12, wounded 52, total 64. The stockade and the north face of the redan were held, after May 25, by the 27th Louisiana. The east face of the redan was held, after June 2, by the left regiment of Green's Brigade. Two countermines against the Union approach, from the ditch of the redan, were fired the night of June 26; another was prepared, but not fired.
68. VICKCW_130531_228.JPG: The End in Sight: After 47 days under siege, the battle could only end in surrender -- or a dramatic rescue. Inside Vicksburg, General Pemberton faced harsh realities -- one third of his troops were too sick to fight, their drinking water was contaminated, they were short of food and ammunition. Union troops and cannon completely surrounded him. Then came a final message from General Johnston saying his army in central Mississippi was too weak to relieve Vicksburg. Pemberton asked Grant for surrender terms. Grant did not want to have to feed 30,000 prisoners of war, or transport so many men north to prison camps. He offered to let Vicksburg's defenders go home, if they promised that they would not fight against the United States again until exchanged. Pemberton accepted the terms. On July 4th, the Confederates handed over their guns. Union troops marched victoriously into the city. "On 3rd July 1863 at about ten o'clock a.m., white flags appeared on a portion of the Rebel works. It was a glorious sight to officers and soldiers on the line..." -- Ulysses S. Grant At the Visitor Center you can see a 10-foot-tall marble column that first marked the Surrender Interview Site near here in 1864. Souvenir hunters later damaged the monument. To keep this monument safe, the National Park Service put the column inside the museum.
69. VICKCW_130531_250.JPG: Union Position Tablet Landram's Brigade: Assault, May 22, 1863 This brigade was formed, in support of Lawler's, for the assault of the Confederate Railroad Redoubt. Behind the crest of the ridge about 350 yards in front of that redoubt, in lines of battle--the 77th Illinois on the right supported by the 130th Illinois in support of both right and left, the 97th Illinois was temporarily attached to Lawler's Brigade and formed with it, in support of the 11th Wisconsin, on the left of the brigade. This brigade advanced about 10 a.m., some men of the 77th Illinois reached the ditch of the redoubt and the flag of that regiment was placed on its parapet; the brigade took position on the slope in front of the redoubt, and the flag of the 130th Illinois was placed close to that work. About 5:30 p.m., the Confederates made a sortie from the intrenchment in rear of the redoubt and re-occupied it; later in the evening, about 30 men of the brigade were captured in the ditch of the redoubt. Col. Sullivan, in his report, states that the flag of the 48th Ohio was also placed on the parapet and was brought off just before the sortie was made. This brigade held its position on the slope in front of the redoubt until after dark and then retired, under orders. This tablet marks the place on the parapet of the redoubt where the flag of the 77th Illinois was placed. Casualties: 77th Illinois, killed 19, wounded 85, missing 26, total 130; 97th Illinois, wounded 12, missing 2, total 14; 130th Illinois, killed 10, wounded 31, total 41, Capt. William M. Colby killed; 19th Kentucky, killed 5, wounded 57, missing 2, total 64, Major Morgan V. Evans killed; 48th Ohio, killed 10, wounded 25, total 35, Major Virgil H. Moats mortally wounded; aggregate, killed 44, wounded 210, missing 30, total 284.
70. VICKCW_130531_265.JPG: Union Position Tablet Lawler's Brigade; Assault, May 22, 1863 This brigade was formed for the assault of the Confederate Railroad Redoubt, in the ravine immediately in front of that redoubt, in two lines--the 22d Iowa and the 11th Wisconsin on the left supported by the 97th Illinois of Landram's Brigade, temporarily attached. The brigade advanced to the assault about 10 a.m.; detachments of the 21st and 22d Iowa reached the ditch of the redoubt and the flag of the 22d was placed in its parapet; Sergts. Joseph E. Griffith and N.C. Messenger and about 12 other enlisted men of that regiment mounted the parapet at the salient angle, entered the redoubt, captured a lieutenant and about 12 enlisted men, remained a short time in the work and then retired to its ditch and the outside slope of the parapet, after sustaining severe loss. The 11th Wisconsin passed beyond the redoubt on its left, took position in the ravine in front of the line of the Confederate intrenchment and held the position until after dark. About 5:30 p.m. the Confederates made a sortie from the intrenchment in rear of the redoubt and re-occupied it; later in the evening, Lieut. Col. Harvey Graham, 22d Iowa, and about 28 enlisted men of the brigade were captured in the ditch of the redoubt. Detachments of the 21st and 22d Iowa remained in position on the slope in front of the redoubt until after dark, when the brigade retired, under orders. This tablet marks the place on the parapet of the redoubt where the flag of the 22d Iowa was placed. Casualties: 21st Iowa, killed 16, wounded87, missing 19, total 113, Lieut. Col. Cornelius W. Dunlap killed, Lieuts. Samuel Bates and William A. Roberts mortally wounded; 22d Iowa, killed 27, wounded 118, missing 19, total 164, Capt. James Robertson and Lieut. Matthew A. Robb killed; 11th Wisconsin, killed 11, wounded80, total 91, Lieut Hiram E. Smith killed, Capt. Alfred J. Peaslee and Lieut. James Law mortally wounded; aggregate, killed 54, wounded 285, missing 29, total 368.
71. VICKCW_130531_271.JPG: Confederate Position Tablet The Railroad Redoubt This salient redoubt was occupied, May 22, 1863, b a detachment of the 30th Alabama, supported by two companies, under Major O. Steele, of Waul's Texas Legion. The intrenchment in rear was held by the 30th Alabama, reinforced during the day, by the 46th Alabama under command of Lieut. Col. E.W. Pettus, 20th Alabama - a large part of the 46th, including all its field officers, having been captured, May 16, in the Battle of Champion's Hill. About 11 a.m. a detachment of the Union assaulting force reached the ditch of the redoubt and placed flags on its parapet; a small party entered this work at its salient angle, where a breach had been made by the Union artillery, captured a Lieut. and a few enlisted men, held the redoubt a short time and then retired to its ditch, after sustaining severe loss. This work was retaken about 5.30 p.m. by detachments of Capt. Bradley's and Lieut. Hogue's companies of Waul's Texas Legion, led by Lieut. Col. E.W. Pettus, 20th Alabama; later in the evening, a Lieut. Col. and about 58 men were captured in the ditch. The casualties in the commands defending and recapturing the redoubt on that day cannot be accurately stated. After May 22, during the defense, this work was held by companies of the 46th Alabama. Countermines against the Union approach were prepared and one was fired the night of July 2. This tablet marks the salient angle at which the assaulting party entered the redoubt on May 22. Casualties in 46th Alabama during the defense, killed 15, wounded 45, total 60.
72. VICKCW_130601_091.JPG: Digging In at the Shirley House: Imagine the scene here in June 1864. The hillside to your right had been completely transformed into a vast network of dugouts known as "shebangs." These makeshift shelters protected Union soldiers from the oppressive summer heat -- and the threat of nearby Confederate guns. When the siege ended, the Shirley House stood badly damaged and abandoned. It served the Union army as a smallpox quarantine hospital. It was bought by the U.S. government in 1900. Now restored to its pre-war appearance, this stately house is the only remaining wartime building inside the military park. Although they owned 25 enslaved workers, James Shirley (above) and his wife Adeline were Union sympathizers. Their teenage son, Quincy, joined the Union troops at his doorstep in fighting the Confederates.
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