William T. Sherman launches a costly attack on fortified Confederate defenses northeast of Vicksburg, Mississippi.

Exploring the most important 55 months in American history
William T. Sherman launches a costly attack on fortified Confederate defenses northeast of Vicksburg, Mississippi.
Confederate forces hurry to defend Chickasaw Bluffs north of Vicksburg, Mississippi, as Federal troops under William T. Sherman struggle to reach them.
Earl Van Dorn leads a Confederate cavalry raid that temporarily stops Ulysses S. Grant’s Federal drive on Vicksburg.
Ulysses S. Grant tends to administrative duties in Mississippi, and the question of whether Grant or John A. McClernand would lead a Federal army against Vicksburg is finally clarified by Washington.
Ulysses S. Grant prepares to continue his Federal drive toward Vicksburg while a detachment under William T. Sherman prepares to move on Vicksburg from the Mississippi, and a Federal gunboat is destroyed by torpedo for the first time.
Ulysses S. Grant begins his drive on the Confederate stronghold at Vicksburg by securing an important town for his supply base.