In 1863, General Ulysses S. Grant led Union forces in a series of operations in western Mississippi, culminating in the Siege of Vicksburg. The siege ended on July 4 when Confederate General Pemberton surrendered the city to the surrounding Union forces. The capture of Vicksburg–referred to by Abraham Lincoln as “the key” to victory in the South–is regarded as a turning point in the Civil War.
Today, 150 years later, we commemorate the important role of Vicksburg in the Civil War and in shaping our nation’s history. Explore the Vicksburg region’s history and heritage with the Civil War 150th anniversary events below or view our complete calendar of Civil War events and attractions.
Civil War 150th Anniversary Events
