Milliken's Bend

Milliken's Bend Exhibit

NPS Photo

Milliken's Bend Exhibit

Black troops were repeatedly cited for heroic conduct in battle and steadfastness under trying field conditions. On June 7, 1863, Milliken's Bend became one of the first such battles, and, in the words of Major General Ulysses S. Grant, was, "The first important engagement of the war in which colored troops were under fire."
 

Did You Know?

USS Cairo ca. 1862

The USS Cairo was only in service for 11 months before making history as the first U.S. marine vessel to be sunk by an electronically denotated mine.