In late December 1862, Union forces under the command of General William T. Sherman began arriving at Chickasaw Bayou, Mississippi, as part of a coordinated campaign to capture Vicksburg, a key Confederate stronghold. This operation was vital for the Union’s strategy to control the Mississippi River, which would split the Confederacy and improve supply lines. The landing involved approximately 30,000 troops, who faced challenging terrain and inclement weather conditions as they attempted to establish a foothold for further assaults. Sherman's campaign aimed to coordinate his efforts with other Union generals to encircle and besiege Vicksburg effectively.

The battle itself unfolded amidst heavy mist and rain, impacting visibility and troop movements. Confederate forces, fortified under the command of General John C. Pemberton, prepared to defend their territory. The Union’s landing was met with fierce resistance, and the local geography presented numerous difficulties for the advancing troops. Despite the initial intentions to quickly overpower the defenses, Sherman's forces would struggle against both the entrenched Confederate defenders and the harsh environmental conditions.

As the campaign progressed, despite their challenges, Sherman’s landings marked a significant moment in the broader campaign for Vicksburg, eventually leading to a series of battles that would define the region’s fate during the Civil War. The landings at Chickasaw Bayou were an early indication of the Union's determination to secure their control over the Mississippi River, illustrating the significance of Vicksburg in the overall conflict.