# 4787 - 2013 First-Class Forever Stamp - The Civil War Sesquicentennial, 1863: Battle of Vicksburg
U.S. # 4787
2013 46¢ Battle of Vicksburg
Civil War: 1863
Siege Of Vicksburg
Vicksburg, Mississippi, was called the “Gibraltar of the West” because cannons mounted on the bluffs kept enemy ships from passing by on the Mississippi River while narrow ridges and deep ravines protected the city from a land attack. North and South both knew the importance of controlling the key position.
The Union had tried to capture Vicksburg in 1862. Naval vessels had bombarded the fort from May to July, but the Confederate troops held out. Grant had tried an attack by land but was forced to retreat when Southern cavalry disrupted his supply lines.
In May 1863, Grant began another campaign to take Vicksburg. After crossing the Mississippi from Louisiana, he forced his way northeast. In seventeen days, the 22,000-man Army of the Tennessee marched 200 miles and was victorious in five battles. On May 18, the Northern Army had reached their prime target and set up camp outside the defenses of Vicksburg.
Three days later, Grant threw his whole army against Vicksburg’s fortifications. After four hours of artillery fire, the Union rushed the enemy. Again they were forced to retreat, this time more than 3,000 men were killed, wounded, or captured. The Northern commander decided to lay siege to the city to avoid further loss of life.
On the morning of July 4, 1863, white flags flew over the walls at Vicksburg. Confederate soldiers marched out and handed over their weapons. The Union Army then entered the city victoriously.
The victory at Vicksburg opened the Mississippi River to trade and transportation of supplies for the North. The Confederacy lost their northern line of defense and an important supply route. When President Lincoln received Grant’s message about Vicksburg’s surrender, he said, “Thank God. The Father of Waters again goes unvexed to the sea.”
Click here for more from the Vicksburg National Military Park website.
U.S. # 4787
2013 46¢ Battle of Vicksburg
Civil War: 1863
Siege Of Vicksburg
Vicksburg, Mississippi, was called the “Gibraltar of the West” because cannons mounted on the bluffs kept enemy ships from passing by on the Mississippi River while narrow ridges and deep ravines protected the city from a land attack. North and South both knew the importance of controlling the key position.
The Union had tried to capture Vicksburg in 1862. Naval vessels had bombarded the fort from May to July, but the Confederate troops held out. Grant had tried an attack by land but was forced to retreat when Southern cavalry disrupted his supply lines.
In May 1863, Grant began another campaign to take Vicksburg. After crossing the Mississippi from Louisiana, he forced his way northeast. In seventeen days, the 22,000-man Army of the Tennessee marched 200 miles and was victorious in five battles. On May 18, the Northern Army had reached their prime target and set up camp outside the defenses of Vicksburg.
Three days later, Grant threw his whole army against Vicksburg’s fortifications. After four hours of artillery fire, the Union rushed the enemy. Again they were forced to retreat, this time more than 3,000 men were killed, wounded, or captured. The Northern commander decided to lay siege to the city to avoid further loss of life.
On the morning of July 4, 1863, white flags flew over the walls at Vicksburg. Confederate soldiers marched out and handed over their weapons. The Union Army then entered the city victoriously.
The victory at Vicksburg opened the Mississippi River to trade and transportation of supplies for the North. The Confederacy lost their northern line of defense and an important supply route. When President Lincoln received Grant’s message about Vicksburg’s surrender, he said, “Thank God. The Father of Waters again goes unvexed to the sea.”
Click here for more from the Vicksburg National Military Park website.