Contact: Kerry Jones, 601-636-7395
On Friday, May 31, 2013, Vicksburg National Military Park Staff will present a program on the Battle of Raymond as part of the park's Sesquicentennial commemoration of the Campaign and Siege of Vicksburg. The program will be held from 2:00 to 4:00 pm at the Raymond Public Library located in the County Courthouse in Raymond, MS. Admission is free. Overall Confederate Commander at Vicksburg, Lt. General John Pemberton, ordered Brig. General John Gregg from Port Hudson, LA, to Jackson, MS, asking him to intercept approaching Union forces at Raymond. Union Maj. General James McPherson had his XVII Army Corps on the march before dawn on May 12, and by 10:00 am they were approximately three miles from Raymond. Deciding to dispute the crossing at Fourteen Mile Creek, Gregg aligned his men accordingly. As Union forces approached, the Confederates opened fire, causing heavy casualties. A number of Union troops broke, but Maj. General John A. Logan rallied a force to hold the line, forcing the southern army to finally retreat. Additional Union forces arrived and counterattacked, resulting in six hours of heavy fighting, with the overwhelming Federal force prevailing. Although Gregg's men lost the battle, they were able to delay a much superior Union force for a day. The Union victory at Raymond altered the course of the campaign as General U.S. Grant turned toward Jackson instead of moving directly to Vicksburg. About the Vicksburg National Military Park Vicksburg National Military Park was created in order to commemorate the campaign, siege and defense of Vicksburg, Mississippi, in 1863. The park staff is committed to preserving and protecting the historic, cultural, and natural resources within the park in a manner that will provide interpretation, education, and enjoyment for visitors. Visitor Centers are located at 3201 Clay Street (open daily 8 A.M. to 5 P.M.) and at the Cairo Museum (open daily 8:30 A.M. to 5:00 P.M ). The park grounds are open daily 8:00 A.M. to 5 P.M. Admission to the Vicksburg National Military Park is $8.00 per personal vehicle, and all applicable Vicksburg and National Park Service annual passes are accepted. Information regarding entrance fees or programs can be found on the park's website at www.nps.gov/vickor calling 601-636-0583. |
Last updated: April 14, 2015