Big Black River Battlefield facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
|
|
Big Black River Battlefield
|
|
.jpg) |
|
 Location in Mississippi
Location in the United States
|
|
| Nearest city | Bovina and Smith's Station, Mississippi |
|---|---|
| Built | 1863 |
| NRHP reference No. | 71000451 |
| Added to NRHP | November 23, 1971 |
The Big Black River Battlefield is a special place in Mississippi. It marks where the Battle of Big Black River Bridge happened. This battle took place on May 17, 1863. It was an important part of the American Civil War. The battlefield was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1971. This means it is a protected historical site.
Contents
What Happened at Big Black River?
The Battle of Big Black River Bridge was a key moment. It was part of the Vicksburg campaign. This campaign was a big effort by the Union army. They wanted to capture the city of Vicksburg. Vicksburg was a very important Confederate stronghold.
The Battle's Importance
The battle happened just before the main siege of Vicksburg. Union forces, led by General Ulysses S. Grant, were pushing hard. They had just won a battle at Champion Hill. The Confederate army was retreating towards Vicksburg. They needed to cross the Big Black River.
Confederate Defenses
Confederate soldiers tried to stop the Union advance. They built defenses near the bridge. They hoped to hold off Grant's army. This would give them time to get their supplies and troops across the river. They also had two ships, the CSS Charm and CSS Paul Jones. These ships were used to help defend the river crossing.
Union Attack
However, the Union attack was very strong. They quickly broke through the Confederate lines. The Confederate soldiers had to retreat quickly. Many were captured. To prevent the Union from following, the Confederates burned the bridge. They also destroyed their own ships. This was a big loss for the Confederates.
After the Battle
The Union victory at Big Black River was important. It cleared the way for Grant's army. They could now move directly to Vicksburg. This battle helped lead to the long Siege of Vicksburg. The siege ended with Vicksburg falling to the Union. This was a major turning point in the Civil War.
What Can You See Today?
Even today, you can find traces of the past at the battlefield. You might see signs of where soldiers camped. There are also remains of old defenses. These include places where both Union and Confederate troops built walls or dug trenches.
Remains of the Past
- You can still see parts of the old Confederate and Union campsites.
- There are also signs of the fortifications built by both sides.
- Some wreckage from the Confederate ships, CSS Charm and CSS Paul Jones, might still be found.
The Railroad Bridge
Much later, in 1917, a new bridge was built. This was the Big Black River Railroad Bridge. It was built near the old battlefield site. This railroad bridge is also famous. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It is recognized for its special design and how it was built.
