Siege of Vicksburg

The Siege of Vicksburg, which took place from May 18 to July 4, 1863, was a crucial battle in the American Civil War. Union General Ulysses S. Grant aimed to capture the Confederate stronghold of Vicksburg, Mississippi, to gain control of the Mississippi River. The Union forces surrounded the city, cutting off supplies and bombarding it. After six weeks of intense pressure, the Confederate troops, led by General John C. Pemberton, surrendered. This victory gave the Union complete control of the Mississippi River, effectively splitting the Confederacy and marking a turning point in the war.