We set out at our agreed-upon time of 8:30 and drove about 3 1/2 hours to Vicksburg, Mississippi where we visited the National Military Park. In 1863 Vicksburg was the last remaining Confederate stronghold which blocked the Mississippi River. On our journey there, we passed this sign and evidence of tornado activity. (Several miles of destroyed buildings, felled trees)General U. Grant had been stymied for several months in his attempts to take Vicksburg. He finally undertook a daring maneuver which involved crossing the Mississippi below Vicksburg, marching to Jackson, MI (with 45,000 YES.....45,000!) while fighting a number of battles along the way.
He then doubled back west to trap the defending Confederate army in Vicksburg. The Union army held the Confederates in Vicksburg so that they had no access to provisions. After 6 weeks, the starving Confederates finally had to surrender.
We saw a movie which showed a dramatic and pitiful surrender. The carnage was amazing. Thousands upon thousands dead on this hallowed land.
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