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Campaign, Siege and Defense of Vicksburg

Vicksburg is the Key! Grant's March through Louisiana Grant's Canal Porter's U.S. Fleet passes Vicksburg Bombardment at Grand Gulf Crossing at Bruinsburg Battle of Port Gibson Battle of Raymond
Battle of Jackson Battle of Champion Hill Battle of the Big Black River Bridge 1st Assault on the Vicksburg Stonghold, May 19 2nd Assault against fortress Vicksburg, May 22 Siege of Vicksburg Vicksburg Surrenders, July 4, 1863 Maps

The Fortress Surrenders

July 4, 1863

On the hot afternoon of July 3, 1863, a cavalcade of horsemen in gray rode out from the city along the Jackson Road. Soon white flags appeared on the city's defenses as General Pemberton rode beyond the works to meet with his adversary--Grant. The two generals dismounted between the lines, not far from the Third Louisiana Redan, and sat in the shade of a stunted oak tree to discuss surrender terms. Unable to reach an agreement, the two men returned to their respective headquarters. Grant told Pemberton he would have his final terms by 10 p.m. True to his word, Grant sent his final amended terms to Pemberton that night. Instead of an unconditional surrender of the city and garrison, Grant offered parole to the valiant defenders of Vicksburg. Pemberton and his generals agreed that these were the best terms that could be had, and in the quiet of his headquarters on Crawford Street, the decision was made to surrender the city.


The U.S. Flag is raised over the Courthouse in Vicksburg after the surrender
At 10 a.m., on July 4, white flags were again displayed from the Confederate works and the brave men in gray marched out of their entrenchments, stacked their arms, removed their accouterments, and furled their flags, at which time the victorious Union army marched in and took possession of the city.

When informed of the fall of Vicksburg, President Lincoln exclaimed, "The Father of Waters again goes unvexed to the sea."

The fall of Vicksburg, coupled with the defeat of Confederate General Robert E. Lee in the battle of Gettysburg fought on July 1-3, marked the turning point of the Civil War.

Map-Vicksburg Surrenders, July 4, 1863,   Large Format

 
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Last update: Monday, January 22, 2001
http://www.nps.gov/vick/vcmpgn/srndr.htm
Editor: G. Zeman
 

Vicksburg National Military Park
3201 Clay Street
Vicksburg, MS 39183
(601) 636-0583
Vick_Interpretation@nps.gov
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