Vicksburg, Mississippi

Exploring the 16 miles of the Vicksburg National Military Park today was an unforgettable experience. Abraham Lincoln knew that Vicksburg was "the key! The war can never be brought to a close until that key is in our pocket," he said. After visiting the Park, Denny and I understand why he felt as he did.

From its perch high above the Mississippi River, the city of Vicksburg controlled all traffic up and down the waterway. That meant Confederate supplies and troops could move at will to wherever they were needed. Lincoln knew the North must take the city and cut the Confederacy in two.

Confederate General John C. Pemberton surrounded the city with a ring of forts. After several attempts to breach the fortifications, Union General Ulysses S. Grant ordered a formal siege which lasted for 45 days.

Pemberton officially surrendered on July 4, 1863.

At the same time that Vicksburg was falling, significant events were taking place at a little town in Pennsylvania called Gettysburg.Read more