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162 years ago, on May 18th, 1863, the Siege of Vicksburg began. Since the South heavily relied on the Mississippi River for trade, communication, and military movements, it was crucial that the Union capture the most important city on the river, Vicksburg. Whoever controlled Vicksburg controlled the Mississippi, and whoever controlled Mississippi would control the war. To Confederate President Jefferson Davis, Vicksburg was the "nailhead that holds the South's two halves together." While President Abraham Lincoln remarked, “Vicksburg is the key! The war can never be brought to a close until that key is in our pocket.” So after General Grant smashed General John C. Pemberton at the Battle of Champion Hill, the Confederates were forced to retreat back to Vicksburg. However, after numerous bloody assaults, Grant was forced to besiege the city with over 70,000 troops and 15 miles of trenches. The 29,000 Confederates inside were trapped, starved of supplies, and bombarded daily. Civilians and soldiers alike endured 47 grueling days before finally surrendering—on the 4th of July. With that victory, the Union seized the Mississippi River and split the Confederacy in two.

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