On July 4, 1863 the Union achieved two dramatic victories that sealed the fate of the Confederacy. These decisive defeats of the South at Gettysburg and Vicksburg led to a third strike against the rebellious section—England, and therefore France, decided to remain neutral in the American Civil War; thereby eliminating key military and economic support to the Rebel cause. July 4th was not celebrated in Vicksburg until World War II.

 

The Union Victory at Vicksburg gave the North total control over the Mississippi, splitting the South in two. Henceforth, the Union controlled the West, and split the Confederacy into two parts. President Lincoln recognized the importance of Vicksburg when he stated, “ Vicksburg is the key. The war can never be brought to a close until the key is in our pocket.” Confederate President Davis said, “Vicksburg is the nail head that holds the South’s two halves together.”

 

Vicksburg is located near the Mississippi River, and surrounded by swamplands. In Grant’s first battles many men and wagons were lost in swamps. In order to go around the swamps, Grant snuck his men down the Mississippi River to attack the town. They bombarded the city with cannons for some six weeks, engaged in deadly hand-to-hand combat, and finally forced the Confederate forces to surrender. The Confederate commander, General John C. Pemberton, ultimately chose July 4th to surrender, believing that the Union commander would be more lenient to his prisoners by choosing this historic American day.

 

Grant demonstrated persistence, ingenuity, and tactical skills in attaining the victory at Vicksburg. He failed many times in taking the city. After failing to take the city from above Vicksburg, he merged his army of the Gulf and marched his troops overland to surround Vicksburg. Starting on May 22, 1863, Grant assaulted the city that was heavily defended with some nine miles of fortifications.  Grant cut off all supplies going into the city. His constant bombardment forced many of Vicksburg’s citizens into caves dug into hillsides. There were some 48,000 soldiers who wee captured, wounded or killed over Vicksburg.

 

The victory at Vicksburg represented a major achievement in the Northern military strategy of dividing the South. From inception, the Union contemplated dividing the Confederacy into smaller sections, thereby reducing the fighting prowess of each of the units.