Union Brig. Gen. Alvin Hovey's division (of Maj. Gen. John A. McClernand's XIII Corps) camped along Bakers Creek on the night of May 14, 1863, after marching from Raymond through a downpour of rain that turned the roads into axle-deep mud. Here, during the night, an order from Maj. Gen. Ulysses S. Grant directed Hovey's men to march to Bolton. Hovey left camp at 5:00 a.m. on May 15, marching toward Clinton. The roads were rapidly improving.

This site has local significance because of its association with military activities and events that achieved or affected important local objectives of the Vicksburg campaign.