Exploring the most important 55 months in American history
Andrew J. Smith leads a Federal army to destroy the Confederate command of Nathan Bedford Forrest in Mississippi. The Federals leave destruction in their wake as they move through the state before eventually clashing with the Confederates near Tupelo.
Nathan Bedford Forrest’s Confederate horsemen catch up to William Sooy Smith’s withdrawing Federals, and a running fight takes place near Okolona, Mississippi.
William Sooy Smith’s Federal cavalry faces challenges in trying to reach the main Federal army in Mississippi. These include strong opposition from Nathan Bedford Forrest’s Confederates.
John C. Pemberton takes Confederate command in Mississippi, with his main task being to defend the vital stronghold of Vicksburg on the Mississippi River.
Federal forces retake Iuka, Mississippi, following the recent battle there, and two Confederate armies join forces in an effort to retake the vital railroad city of Corinth.
Federal forces attack Confederates in northern Mississippi but cannot prevent them from escaping to join with another force.