The Start

• The Siege started with Union general, General Ulysses S. Grant leading an assault both naval and on land against the fortified city of Vicksburg.

• Confederate general John C. Pemberton attempt to stop the assault and keep Vickburg under Confederate control.

The Importance

• Vicksburg was a vital city for both the Union and the Confederacy

• If the Union controlled Vicksburg, they could control the Mississippi and split the Confederacy in half.

• If the Confederacy kept control, they could continue to send supplies up and down the Mississippi.

The End

• Pemberton surrendered the city of Vicksburg on July 4, 1863. On the anniversary of U.S. independence.

• The citizens of Vicksburg went through a lot of stress and fear with the constant bombing of the city.

• This surrender and the Battle of Gettysburg would eventually lead to the downfall of the Confederacy.