Campaign, Siege and Defense of Vicksburg
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Bombardment of Grand Gulf
April 29, 1863
It was Grant's intention to force a crossing of the river at Grand Gulf and move on
"Fortress Vicksburg" from the south. For five hours on April 29, the Union fleet
bombarded the Grand Gulf defenses in an attempt to silence the Confederate guns and
prepare the way for a landing. The fleet, however, sustained heavy damage and failed to
achieve its objective. Admiral Porter declared, "Grand Gulf is the strongest
place on the Mississippi." |
View of the Mississipi River from
Grand Gulf State Military Park
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Historic
location of the town of Grand Gulf |
Not wishing to send his transports loaded with troops to attempt a landing
in the face of enemy fire, Grant disembarked his command and continued the march south
along the levee. |
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Last update: Monday, January 22, 2001
http://www.nps.gov/vick/vcmpgn/grndgulf.htm
Editor: G. Zeman |
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