| Grant arrived near the Champion house around 10 o'clock. After surveying the
situation, he ordered the attack. Two Union divisions, 10,000 men in battle array, moved
forward in magnificent style with flags flying. The long blue lines extended westward
beyond the Confederate flank. To meet this threat, Confederate troops shifted farther to
the west creating a gap between the forces defending the Crossroads and those defending
the Raymond Road. By 11:30, the Northerners closed in on the Confederate main line of
resistance. With a cheer they stormed the position. The fighting was intense as the battle
raged on Champion Hill. The lines swayed back and forth as charge and countercharge were
made. But the strength of numbers prevailed; and the blue tide swept over the crest of
Champion Hill shortly after 1 p.m.
The Confederates fell back in disorder to the Jackson Road followed closely by the
hard-driving Federals. The powerful Union drive captured the
Crossroads; and, on the right, severed the Jackson Road escape route. Confronted by
disaster, Pemberton ordered his two remaining divisions to counterattack. Leaving one
brigade to guard the Raymond Road, the Confederates marched from their right along the
Ratliff Road toward the Crossroads. With characteristic abandon the 4,500 soldiers of Brigadier General John S. Bowen's division attacked. With
fury and determination they hit the Federals near the Crossroads. At the point of bayonet
they drove the Federals back three-quarters of a mile and regained control of Champion
Hill. The attack, however, was made with insufficient numbers and faltered short of the Champion house.
Grant exerted himself to prevent a breakthrough and ordered up fresh troops to drive
back the Confederates. In addition, the Federals along the Middle and Raymond roads began
to drive hard. All morning they had operated under instructions to "move
cautiously," but now were thrown forward. In a matter of moments, Confederate
resistance was shattered and Pemberton ordered his army from the field.
With only one avenue of escape open to them, the Confederates fled toward the Raymond
Road crossing of Bakers Creek. Brigadier
General Lloyd Tilghman's Brigade, acting as the rear guard for the Confederate army,
was ordered to hold its ground at all cost. In so doing, General
Tilghman was killed. His brigade, along with the rest of Major General William W. Loring's division, was cut off
from Edwards and eventually made its way to Jackson by a circuitous route.
The victorious Federals gained control of the Bakers Creek bridge late in the afternoon
and, about 8 p.m., entered Edwards. This smashing victory cost Grant 410 killed, 1,844
wounded, and 187 missing out of 32,000 men. But victory at Champion Hill guaranteed the
success of his campaign.
May 16, 1863, was a disastrous day for Pemberton. His army lost 381 killed, 1,018
wounded, and 2,441 missing out of the 23,000 men he carried into battle. In addition, 27
artillery pieces were lost.
Map-Grant's March, Battle of Champion Hill, May 16 115k, Large Format
Map, Battle of Champion Hill, May 16, 1030-1300 hours 130k, Large Format
Map, Battle of Champion Hill, May 16, 1300-1515 hours
117k, Large Format
Map, Battle of Champion Hill, May 16, 1600-1730 hours 135k, Large Format
Coker House, Champion Hill Battlefield
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