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On this day in the Civil War, the Confederate army under General John Pemberton surrenders to the Union army commanded by General U.S. Grant at Vicksburg, Mississippi after a 47 day siege. Grant captured 30,000 soldiers, 60,000 small arms and 172 cannon.
Due to the bitterness of surrendering on July 4th, the citizens of Vicksburg did not officially celebrate Independence Day again until 1945, eighty-two years after Pemberton’s surrender.
On this day in the Civil War, the Battle of Gettysburg reaches a climax with Pickett’s Charge led by Confederate General George Pickett. Before sending the infantry, the Confederate artillery began an incessant firing with almost 150 cannons, the largest Southern bombardment of the war. For almost two hours the artillery of both sides, around 300 guns, caused such a loud roar that the sound could be heard from as far away as Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. After the cannons ceased firing, Confederate General George Pickett’s Virginians and other Confederate divisions, 12,500 men in all, began the assault of the Federal line. Facing this Confederate charge was Federal General Winfield Scott Hancock and the center of the Union line, protected by a stone wall.
The Confederates were repulsed with heavy losses, thus ending the battle with a Union victory. The battle resulted in 53,000 casualties, or an astounding 31% of the troops involved in the battle.
On this day in the Civil War, the Battle of Gettysburg rages on. Confederate troops attempt to flank the Union right with troops from Alabama. These troops fight savagely at Little Round Top with Union forces including the 20th Maine, led by Colonel Joshua Chamberlain. The Confederates are finally driven off with a Union bayonet charge. Confederate troops attack Union forces at Devil’s Den, the Peach Orchard, the Wheatfield, and the Trostle Farm, but cannot break the Union line. Confederate and Union casualties are severe.
On this day in the Civil War, the bloodiest battle of the Civil War begins at Gettysburg, Pa. Union cavalry under General John Buford withstands several attacks from Confederate troops east of town. Federal reinforcements arrive on the field, under the command of General John Reynolds. During the engagement General Reynolds is killed. Confederate forces overwhelm the Union troops, who retreat through the town and set up a defensive position on Cemetery Hill. The first day’s battle ends with Confederate troops occupying the town and Seminary Ridge.
On this day in the Civil War, Union General John Buford and his cavalry move into Gettysburg in anticipation of the Confederate army.
General John Buford
(Photo Credit: Library of Congress)
The Civil War Book 