Historical Events tagged with "mississippi"

Turns out history loves a label—battles, breakthroughs, and the occasional disaster, all neatly tagged for your browsing pleasure. Because sometimes you just need every weird invention in one place.

Military & Warfare

Union Victory at the Battle of Raymond

May 12th, 1863 161 years ago

Two divisions from James B. McPherson's XVII Corps successfully flanked the Confederate defensive line led by General John C. Pemberton on Fourteen Mile Creek. This maneuver significantly weakened Confederate positions and opened the interior of Mississippi to Union forces as they advanced during the Vicksburg Campaign.

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Military & Warfare

Union Victory at the Battle of Port Gibson

May 1st, 1863 161 years ago

The Battle of Port Gibson was a significant encounter during the Vicksburg Campaign, marked by Union forces under the command of General Ulysses S. Grant defeating Confederate troops. The battle occurred in Mississippi, where Grant aimed to secure a stronghold on the eastern bank of the Mississippi River. Despite challenging terrain and fierce resistance from the Confederates, Union forces showcased their strategic prowess, gaining control of the area and facilitating further military operations in the campaign. The victory at Port Gibson was pivotal in granting Grant a strategic advantage in the quest to capture Vicksburg.

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Military & Warfare

Grierson's Raid Launches in Mississippi

April 17th, 1863 161 years ago

Troops under the command of Union Colonel Benjamin Grierson launched a cavalry raid into central Mississippi. This daring maneuver aimed to disrupt Confederate supply lines and communication while showcasing the mobility of Union forces. The raid covered over 600 miles in about two weeks, with Grierson's troops engaging in skirmishes with Confederate forces along the way. The operation was intended to distract Confederate troops from the upcoming Union assaults around Vicksburg.

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Military & Warfare

Gunboats Run Past Vicksburg Batteries

April 16th, 1863 161 years ago

Acting Rear Admiral David Dixon Porter led a daring maneuver with his fleet of gunboats downriver past the heavily fortified Confederate artillery batteries at Vicksburg, Mississippi. This operation was crucial for the Union's strategy during the Vicksburg Campaign, aimed at taking control of the Mississippi River and cutting off Confederate supply lines. Porter's fleet managed to evade artillery fire while executing this significant tactical movement, showcasing naval effectiveness in the war.

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Military & Warfare

Union Forces Repulsed at Chickasaw Bayou

December 29th, 1862 162 years ago

Union forces led by General William T. Sherman attempted to seize Vicksburg through Chickasaw Bayou but faced fierce resistance from Confederate troops under General John C. Pemberton. The battle commenced on December 29, resulting in a significant Confederate victory, with Union forces suffering heavy casualties. Sherman aimed to penetrate the Confederate stronghold, integral to controlling supply routes and maintaining the Union's strategic focus on the Mississippi River.

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Politics & Government

General Grant's Expulsion Order for Jews

December 17th, 1862 162 years ago

General Ulysses S. Grant issued General Order No. 11, which expelled Jews from parts of Tennessee, Mississippi, and Kentucky. The order was prompted by complaints from local merchants about alleged illicit trade by Jewish traders in the occupied territories. The order specifically targeted individuals identified as Jews, reflecting the growing tensions and prejudices during the Civil War era. Grant's intention was to address economic grievances but ultimately exacerbated ethnic and religious discrimination.

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Military & Warfare

USS Cairo Sinks in the Yazoo River

December 12th, 1862 162 years ago

The USS Cairo, a Union ironclad warship, sank on the Yazoo River after being hit by a torpedo, one of the first such attacks in naval warfare. The vessel was part of the Union's campaign to take control of the Mississippi River. Hit just after it had engaged Confederate forts, the Cairo's sinking marked a significant moment in the advancement of naval technology and warfare tactics, emphasizing the increasing role of mines in maritime conflicts.

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Military & Warfare

Union Naval Victory at Memphis

June 6th, 1862 162 years ago

The First Battle of Memphis was a naval engagement that resulted in the Union forces capturing Memphis, Tennessee from the Confederates. This confrontation marked a significant moment in the Western Theater of the Civil War, showcasing the effectiveness of Union naval power. The battle involved a fleet commanded by Captain Charles H. Davis engaging Confederate forces led by Commodore George N. Hollins. The Union victory not only secured Memphis as a strategic point on the Mississippi River but also boosted morale for Northern forces as they continued their campaign in the region.

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Military & Warfare

Confederate Evacuation of Fort Pillow

June 4th, 1862 162 years ago

Confederate troops evacuated Fort Pillow, allowing Union forces to advance towards Memphis. This strategic move was part of the broader campaign for control over the Mississippi River. The fall of Fort Pillow would significantly impact the Union's naval operations. The evacuation was prompted by growing Union pressure in the area.

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