Battle of Vicksburg: The Battle of Vicksburg was a very memorable battle. Union forces under the command of Ulysses S. Grant tried to gain control of the strategic fortress of Vicksburg. Their previous attempts were blocked by the strong defense from the Confederates and the treacherous terrain surrounding the fortress. Ulysses started a new campaign to take control of Vicksburg. He landed at Bruinsburg, Mississippi, below Vicksburg, without the Confederates knowing. He then moved inland and pushed back forces that were commanded by Joseph E. Johnston. Union forces were victorious at Champion Hill and Big Black Bridge which made Confederate forces retreat to Vicksburg. Ulysses and Union forces attacked Vicksburg. They sieged the fortress but the Confederate's defense was very powerful. The Union's losses were so great that Ulysses decided to attack and destroy the city near Vicksburg. He and his forces attacked and took over the city for 47 days until the Confederates surrendered. They surrendered on July 4, 1863. The Union now had firm control of the Mississippi river. This created a huge disadvantage for the Confederacy. This battle basically sealed the Confederate's destiny. This battle would ultimately end the war and force the Confederacy to rejoin the Union.
http://www.civilwar.org/battlefields/vicksburg.html?tab=facts
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http://www.civilwar.org/battlefields/vicksburg.html?tab=facts
http://cdn.history.com/sites/2/2013/11/Vicksburg-Hero-H.jpeg