As I mentioned in my last note, one of the places where Kathy and I always wanted to go was Vicksburg. Kathy was, of course, interested in the Antebellum South and I wanted to learn more about the pivotal battle that happened there during the Civil War.
I did spend a little time checking out a couple of plantations and old South mansions, but for the purpose of this missive, I'll stick to that bloody conflict. This fight turned the tide of war to the federals, and spurred the final march to the sea that ended the South's struggle.
Vicksburg was a huge prize to both sides. For the Confederates it was, to quote CSA president Jefferson Davis, "the nail head that holds the South's two halves together. As a prominent point on the Mississippi river, this was a strategic point in defending the South's hold on that major thoroughfare for shipments of goods and resources.
For the North, taking Vicksburg was vital, and for the same reason. If the federals could capture the city and the fortifications on the river, they could cut off almost half of the Rebels' source of supplies and recruits.
Naturally, such an important area was heavily fortified. The Confederates built artillery batteries and a ring of forts around the city, making it formidable to any opposing force. And , for a while, it held. The North's initial attacks, led by General U.S. Grant, resulted in heavy casualties. So much so that Grant switched to a siege strategy, blocking all access and continually pounding the Rebels with artillery and gunboat cannon for six weeks until Southern General Pemberton was forced to surrender on July 4, 1863.
Fighters from every state, both North and South, fought at Vicksburg. When the battlefield park was established in 1877, each state was invited to erect a memorial to their native sons that perished there. Some of those are quite amazing, from the dome of the Illinois memorial to the art deco monument dedicated to the fallen from Texas.
Folks, this park is BIG. To fully appreciate all of the different components, from markers indicating the locations of various troops and skirmishes, to the hundreds of memorials, both the aforementioned state structures and other, smaller, ones dedicated to officers and men who fell there, it would take many days of intense explorations. And forget walking the park. The tour road alone is more than 10 miles long.
Fortunately, the National Park Services has both a detailed map available at the entrance and a handy app that provides information keyed to 15 stops along the way. Written and voice recordings give details on each stop, and is a great way to understand what happened.
A tour of Vicksburg National Military Park provides insight into one of the bloodiest battles in our nations history. But visitors should take some time to ponder the memorials to those who gave it all and appreciate how that loss of life affected those left behind.
OK, so that's Vicksburg. I'm still exploring the Natchez trace. Next time, I'll close the book on this segment with a look at some of the more interesting stops. I'm headed up to middle Tennessee to finish of the Trace and to look into the Trail of Tears, then it's off to Kentucky and a new adventure on the Bourbon trail.
But let's not get too far ahead just yet. There's still more to explore as I head to the end of the Trace, and a lot of tales of plantations, Indians, and yes, more battles.
So stay tuned.
Later, Folks.
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