![]() NPS Photo ![]() NPS Photo Believing that his men could cover the intervening ground quickly, and with little loss, Lawler boldly ordered his troops to fix bayonets and charge. With a mighty cheer the Federals swept across the open ground, through the bayou, and over the parapets. From beginning to end, the charge lasted three minutes. ![]() NPS Photo Confederate losses at the Big Black River Bridge were not accurately reported, but 1,751 men, 18 cannon, and 5 battleflags were captured by the Federals. Union casualties totaled only 279 men, of whom 39 were killed, 237 wounded, and 3 missing. Grant's forces bridged the river at three locations and, flushed with victory, pushed hard toward Vicksburg on May 18. The Civil War-era bridge which spanned the river at this site was set on fire by the Confederates to prevent pursuit by Grant's victorious army. The modern railroad bridge is pictured above. |
Last updated: February 15, 2018