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The Fortress Surrenders
July 4, 1863
| On the hot afternoon of July 3, 1863, a cavalcade of horsemen in gray rode out from
the city along the Jackson Road. Soon white flags appeared on the city's defenses as General Pemberton rode beyond the works to meet with
his adversary--Grant. The two generals dismounted
between the lines, not far from the Third Louisiana Redan,
and sat in the shade of a stunted oak tree to discuss surrender terms. Unable to reach an
agreement, the two men returned to their respective headquarters. Grant told Pemberton he
would have his final terms by 10 p.m. True to his word, Grant sent his final amended terms
to Pemberton that night. Instead of an unconditional surrender of the city and garrison,
Grant offered parole to the valiant defenders of Vicksburg. Pemberton and his generals
agreed that these were the best terms that could be had, and in the quiet of his
headquarters on Crawford Street, the decision was made to surrender the city. |
The U.S. Flag is raised over the Courthouse in Vicksburg after the surrender
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| At 10 a.m., on July 4, white flags were again displayed from the Confederate works and
the brave men in gray marched out of their entrenchments, stacked their arms, removed
their accouterments, and furled their flags, at which time the victorious Union army
marched in and took possession the city. When informed of the fall of Vicksburg,
President Lincoln exclaimed, "The Father of Waters again goes unvexed to the
sea."
The fall of Vicksburg, coupled with the defeat of Confederate General Robert E. Lee in
the battle of Gettysburg fought on July 1-3, marked the turning point of the Civil War.
Map-Vicksburg Surrenders, July 4, 1863, Large Format
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Last update: Friday, November 05, 1999
http://www.nps.gov/vick/vcmpgn/srndr.htm
Editor: G. Zeman |
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