Surrender Monument

The vertical black cannon commemorates where Grant and Pemberton initially talked terms of surrender

NPS / Brewer

Quick Facts

Location:

Vicksburg National Military Park

On this site on July 3, 1863, Union General Ulysses S. Grant and Confederate General John C. Pemberton met to discuss the terms of Confederate surrender. Here, midway between Union and Confederate lines, a shady oak tree stood witness to the discussions of these two men and their teams. While the oak tree was not a traditional piece of “art” like many of the monuments that stand in the park, it became a valuable artifact. It quickly vanished, providing souvenirs for soldiers and onlookers of this historic event. 

In its place, a more traditional monument— a marble obelisk— was erected in 1864 to commemorate the historic moment. The original marble obelisk was the first monument to stand in what would become Vicksburg National Military Park. This monument, much like the original oak tree, became a target for relic hunters and vandals. So, in 1867 the marble obelisk was replaced by the up-turned cannon that you see today. You can view the original marble obelisk on display in the park’s Visitor Center.

• The Surrender Monument (Upturned Cannon)

  
  

  A 1-minute and 10-second audio track describing the different surrender monuments that commemorate the site where generals Ulysses S. Grant and John C. Pemberton discussed the initial terms for surrendering Vicksburg.

  Date created:

  12/20/2022

  Audio Transcript

  On this site on July 3, 1863, Union General Ulysses S. Grant and Confederate General John C. Pemberton met to discuss the terms of Confederate surrender. Here, midway between Union and Confederate lines, a shady oak tree stood witness to the discussions of these two men and their teams. While the oak tree was not a traditional piece of “art” like many of the monuments that stand in the park, it became a valuable artifact. It quickly vanished, providing souvenirs for soldiers and onlookers of this historic event.

  In its place, a more traditional monument— a marble obelisk— was erected in 1864 to commemorate the historic moment. The original marble obelisk was the first monument to stand in what would become Vicksburg National Military Park. This monument, much like the original oak tree, became a target for relic hunters and vandals. So, in 1867 the marble obelisk was replaced by the up-turned cannon that you see today. You can view the original marble obelisk on display in the park’s Visitor Center.