Sesquicentennial Program Series Commemorates the 150th Anniversary of the Battle of Big Black River Bridge

Date: May 15, 2013
Contact: Tim Kavanaugh, 601-619-2908

On Friday, May 17, 2013, Vicksburg National Military Park will present a special Sesquicentennial ranger program on the Battle of Big Black River Bridge from 7:00pm until 9:00pm at the park's Visitor Center on Clay Street.

After crushing defeats at the hands of Ulysses S. Grant's Federal troops at the battles of Port Gibson, Raymond, Jackson and Champion Hill, Gen. Pemberton's Confederate forces receive one last blood-letting in a rearguard action known as the Battle of Big Black River Bridge on May 17, 1863. It is after this fifth and final disaster that they retreat, tired and discouraged, behind the heavily fortified defensive works of the "Gibraltar of the Confederacy": Vicksburg!

Ranger Jake Koch will be presenting the program on this often overlooked battle of the Vicksburg Campaign. A question and answer session will follow the presentation.

Doors will open at 6:30pm. This event is open to the public and will be free of charge.

For further information on this or other Sesquicentennial Programs check the park website at  https://www.nps.gov/vick/planyourvisit/events.htm or calling 601-636-0583.

Come learn more about Civil War history and the Vicksburg Campaign during this Sesquicentennial observance at Vicksburg National Military Park.