Vicksburg 160th Celebrations to Observe the Union Victory were Memorable By Professor Earnest Veritas Special Correspondent to – Western Theater –
The 160th anniversary of the surrender of Vicksburg, Miss., by General John C. Pemberton to General Ulysses S. Grant was observed on July 1st and 2nd, last, at the National Military Park with the paradox of roarin cannon, contrasted with quiet talks from the soldiers camped the battlefield around the Shir house in the sweltering heat of a Mississippi July. Visitors to the park that weekend were also treated to the dynamic story of how the siege came to a quick and merciful end without a fina assault on Confederate lines as was planned. That very brief sequence of events was told in the visitor center auditorium in presentations from the two opposing commanders, Gen. Ulysses S. Grant (Curt Fields) and John C. Pemberton (Morgan
Union artillery fire their 12-p 18 – American Battlefield Trus 34 – Book Reviews 13 – Central Virginia Battlefi
Gates). The generals came together and explained how the surrender was worked out in les than one day in their presentat “Vicksburg: Just 24 Hours,” which was given in the morning and afternoon of both days. Cannon firing demonstrations were given throughout both days by a Federal gun crew at the visitor center and a Confederat gun crew at the 2nd Texas Lunette (at tour stop 12). They had alternating schedules to accommodate the visitors to the park for the 160th observations At the visitor center, the F gun crew fired at 9, 10, and 11 a.m. on Saturday and Sunday. The Confederate gun crew could be viewed firing their cannon at Tour Stop #12 (2nd Texas Lunette): 9:15, 10:15, and 11:15 a.m. on Saturday and Sunday. The Confederate crew was visiting from Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield. The hardy troops of the 45th Illinois Infantry were encamped
Napoleon during the event. (Bu 38 – Civil War Trail 30 – Critic’s Corner ust 32 – Emerging Civil
Campaign, a soldier of the 45th explained the importance of Vicksburg, the campaign from 1862–1863, emphasizing the role of the common soldier in camp and combat. They talked of the particula uses and importance of the equipment they carried as they showed their weapons, uniforms, backpacks, blanket rolls, and other equipment they used. A soldier spoke of the challenges and hardships faced Union soldiers as they besieged Vicksburg. Several soldiers talked abou the typical rations they were issued and demonstrated methods for cooking. Some of the 45th talked abou the June 25th mine explosion at the 3rd Louisiana Redan and the desperate attempt to break through the Confederate lines, emphasizing the role of the 45t Illinois in that battle. Doug Baum brought his Texas Camel Corps to the park for both days of the anniversary observation to represent Old Douglas, the vaunted mascot of the 43rd Mississippi Infantry. War 1
Doug had two camels available for the young (and not so young visitors to admire, pet, and lo at up close. Doug also talked about the story of Old Douglas, the Camel mascot of the 43rd Mississippi Infantry. Douglas was a hold-over from the 1850’s Texas Camel Experiment. During the War, he carried the regimental band instruments and other camp equipment for the 43rd Mississippi. Sadly, Douglas was killed by a sniper while at Vicksburg. He was buried in the old city cemetery. For an added treat for visito to the park, Generals Grant and Pemberton spent time conversing on the famous ‘Surrender Knoll’ where they were on July 3rd, 1863. For more information about Vicksburg National Military
index.htm. Morgan Gates is a licensed Vicksburg battlefield guide and may be reached on his Facebook
H Vicksburg . . . . . . . . . . . . see pag s And That Unfinished Fight ough the Lens
