Union Victory at Battle of Big Black River Bridge

May 17th, 1863

May 17th, 1863

Union Victory at Battle of Big Black River Bridge
How Long Ago?

161 years, 9 months, 26 days ago

Location

Big Black River Bridge, Mississippi, USA

Category

Military & Warfare

War/Conflict

American Civil War

People
  • Joseph E. Johnston
  • John A. McClernand
Links & References
Tags

Union Victory at Battle of Big Black River Bridge

Union forces, led by John A. McClernand, achieved a significant victory against Confederate forces at the Battle of Big Black River Bridge. This battle occurred during the Vicksburg campaign in Mississippi, where the Union aimed to capture the strategic city of Vicksburg. After engaging a Confederate rearguard, McClernand's troops managed to capture approximately 1,700 Confederate soldiers, further consolidating Union control in the area. This victory was critical in hindering Confederate forces from reinforcing their defenses at Vicksburg.

The battle occurred during the Vicksburg campaign.

Union forces captured approximately 1,700 Confederate soldiers.

It was a critical moment for Union control in Mississippi.

McClernand's leadership played a key role in the victory.

What Happened?

The Battle of Big Black River Bridge was a crucial military engagement during the Vicksburg campaign, a significant operation in the American Civil War. The Union aimed to gain control of Vicksburg, a strategic city on the Mississippi River, to secure supply lines and exert control over the river. On May 17, 1863, Union General John A. McClernand commanded his forces to pursue the retreating Confederate army, led by General Joseph E. Johnston, after their earlier engagements in northern Mississippi. The location near the Big Black River Bridge provided a tactical advantage, as the bridge served as a vital crossing point for Confederate movements.The Union forces engaged the Confederate rearguard, which was tasked with slowing the Union advance and protecting the retreat of Southern troops. McClernand's forces executed a successful assault that resulted in the capture of about 1,700 Confederate soldiers. The battle demonstrated the effective coordination of Union troops under McClernand's leadership while highlighting the challenges faced by the Confederate forces in maintaining control over key strategic locations as they retreated toward Vicksburg. The victory at Big Black River Bridge was a stepping stone for Union forces, as it allowed them to tighten their grip on the area leading up to the siege of Vicksburg itself.

Why Does it Matter?

The capture of the Confederate rearguard at the Battle of Big Black River Bridge had a notable impact on the overall Vicksburg campaign. This event not only showcased the Union's growing military effectiveness but also represented the struggle the Confederacy faced in maintaining critical supply lines and troop movements. The ongoing loss of troops and resources contributed to the eventual siege of Vicksburg, underscoring the importance of this victory in the broader context of the Civil War.

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