The War Between the States

Inscription: Vicksburg voters opposed secession but once the war began they supported the Confederacy, over 2500 local men joining the Southern ranks. The first attack on Vicksburg was in the spring of 1862. The enemy was repulsed, Col. James Autry telling them "Mississippians don't know the meaning of the word 'surrender....' During that time the CSS Arkansas attacked and crippled the Union fleet and thwarted the efforts of a Union ironclad in a battle in front of the city. It was a stunning Confederate victory. In the winter of 1862 Union troops were badly defeated at Chickasaw Bayou north of town. Unable to take the city by storm, Northern troops lay siege for 47 days - May 17 to July 4, 1863. The Union victory is considered by many to be the turning point of the war. Few cities suffered or sacrificed more for the Southern cause than did Vicksburg. In Memory of : Blanche Smith Terry, 1921-2004 Historian and Assistant Director Old Court House Museum-Eva W. Davis Memorial Sponsored by her family, friends and the Vicksburg and Warren Historical Society Erected 2006 by the City of Vicksburg Riverfront Mural Committee.