The Siege of Knoxville commenced as Confederate General James Longstreet sought to capture the strategically important city from Union forces led by General Ambrose Burnside. Following the Battle of Campbell's Station, Longstreet had aimed to exert pressure on Knoxville, believing that the Union supply lines and morale could be compromised. Setting up around Knoxville in mid-November, Longstreet's forces surrounded the city, attempting to cut off Burnside's men from reinforcements and essential supplies, including food and ammunition.

Ambrose Burnside, conscious of the precarious situation, fortified the defenses of Knoxville. The city had become a key logistical hub for the Union in Tennessee, and losing it could have serious ramifications for their operations in the region. Longstreet's siege tactics included artillery bombardments and attempts to weaken Fort Sanders, one of the main Union strongholds in Knoxville. Meanwhile, Burnside sought to hold out until he could receive support from other Union divisions nearby.

As days passed, the siege put immense strain on both the Confederate and Union forces. Supplies dwindled in Knoxville, while Longstreet's army, although encamped outside the city, needed to maintain morale among troops wary of a prolonged assault. The situation escalated until the arrival of winter weather further complicated the conflict; both sides faced the harsh realities of late 1863 in East Tennessee. The siege became a test of endurance and resource management for both military leaders, showcasing their strategic planning and the gravity of the campaign.