Vicksburg, Mississippi National Battlefield

We traveled from Tupelo to Vicksburg, Mississippi  located on the banks of the Mississippi River and began the "chasing stamps" process.  One of our main stops was Vicksburg National Military Park.  

Confederate President Jefferson Davis remarked, "Vicksburg is the nailhead that holds the South’s two halves together.” At the start of the Civil War, Confederates controlled the Mississippi River south of Cairo, Illinois all the way to the Gulf of Mexico. With its valuable commercial port and railroad hub, the city was of tremendous importance. From points west of the Mississippi River men, food, salt, and weapons, were funneled through Mexico and made their way to Vicksburg and Confederate armies in the East. 


President Abraham Lincoln also realized the necessity to capture Vicksburg. Remarking, "Vicksburg is the key! The war can never be brought to a close until that key is in our pocket.” The capture of this "Gibraltar of the Confederacy" was an immediate priority for Lincoln. If Vicksburg fell, Union forces could isolate Texas, Arkansas, and much of Louisiana, cutting off Confederate supplies and personnel. 

As the war progressed, Federal naval and ground forces pushed south from Illinois, and north from the Gulf of Mexico as they closed in on Vicksburg. In 1863, they set their sights on Vicksburg, the Fortress City. The fate of the Confederacy would lie largely with the fate of Vicksburg.  At 10 AM on July 4, white flags were 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. The victorious Union army now marched in and took possession the city. The fall of Vicksburg, coupled with the defeat of Confederate General Robert E. Lee in the battle of Gettysburg fought over July 1-3, 1863, marked the turning point of the Civil War.  The Union had won.

I'll admit that I had help from the internet to compile this blog.  Hope you enjoyed the history lesson.  

The last night we were in Vicksburg, Mississippi, we went out to eat at Rusty's, a popular restaurant on the water.  A river boat blocked the view of the river, but that was OK.  It also blocked the sun from our eyes.  We had to wait for a table.  A cute little fellow, his slightly older sister, and his mom were also waiting for a table. He was playing the role of the pesty little brother and was about to cause a problem.  I asked him if I could see the children's magazine he had in his hand.  We got acquainted over that magazine.  Finally he got up the nerve to ask why I was in "that" chair. (My power chair).  I gave him a simple answer and he accepted it.  He talked with me the whole time they waited for a table and didn't bother his sister again.  Their mom thanked me when they got their table.  We happened to be seated near them and he kept saying hello to me.  As we left, they also left.  He wanted to give me the picture he colored while waiting on his order to be brought to the table.  His name was Reed.  He was a very smart fellow and very thoughtful.  Highlight of my day.