This research report is about a major siege of the American Civil War that ended with the capture of the city of Vicksburg, Mississippi. Vicksburg stands on a steep cliff along the eastern bank of the Mississippi River, was one of the main Southern strongholds along the river. It had strategic importance to both the North and South. In February 1862 the Union captured Fort Donelson in northern Tennessee, which broke the Confederate first line of …showed first 75 words of 680 total…

…showed last 75 words of 680 total…formal exchange of prisoners. The Union capture of Vicksburg was one of the most important Northern victories of the war. It gave the North control of the Mississippi River, allowing them passage straight through the Confederacy. With this passage, they were able to move supplies and men along the river. In addition, the capture freed Grant’s armies and allowed the North to use them for other battles, such as fighting the war in Virginia.