Last updated: February 17, 2021
Place
Battle of Raymond, Milepost 78.3
NPS Photo
Quick Facts
Location:
Natchez Trace Parkway, Milepost 78.3
Significance:
Civil War Battle
Amenities
2 listed
Historical/Interpretive Information/Exhibits, Parking - Auto
By the time of the Civil War, the Natchez Trace has lost its significance as a national road. One of the sections ran from Port Gibson toward Jackson, Mississippi but the route veered from the original Trace to reach Raymond in the spring of 1863. Federal Army General U.S. Grant marched his Union army over this route after crossing the Mississippi River and capturing Port Gibson, Mississippi.
On May 8, 1863, Grant's forces drew fire from a Confederate brigade, commanded by Confederate Brigadier General John Gregg, located on the southern edge of Raymond, Mississippi three miles east of this location. After a day of bitter fighting the Confederates retreated toward Jackson, Mississippi leaving their wounded in the county courthouse. This convinced General Grant of the need to capture Jackson, Mississippi in order to assure success of his army's forthcoming siege of Vicksburg.
On May 8, 1863, Grant's forces drew fire from a Confederate brigade, commanded by Confederate Brigadier General John Gregg, located on the southern edge of Raymond, Mississippi three miles east of this location. After a day of bitter fighting the Confederates retreated toward Jackson, Mississippi leaving their wounded in the county courthouse. This convinced General Grant of the need to capture Jackson, Mississippi in order to assure success of his army's forthcoming siege of Vicksburg.