Mississippi River in the American Civil War facts for kids

The Mississippi River was super important during the American Civil War. It was like a major highway that ran through ten states. Some states supported the Union (the North), and others supported the Confederacy (the South). Both sides quickly realized that controlling this river was key to winning the war. A Confederate general named Braxton Bragg even said the river was "more important to us than all the country together."

By April 1862, the Union had captured New Orleans at the river's end and a key spot in Kentucky and Tennessee. This left only the middle part of the river in Confederate hands. When cities like Memphis and Vicksburg were captured, the Union gained full control of the Mississippi. President Abraham Lincoln was so happy, he said, "The Father of Waters again goes unvexed to the sea." This meant the river was free for Union ships. Taking control of the Mississippi split the Confederacy in half. This made it much harder for the South to move supplies and communicate, which helped the Union win the war.

States Along the River

The Mississippi River touched many states, and their loyalties were mixed.

Union States

• Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, and Illinois were strong supporters of the Union. Even though some people in Illinois wanted peace, the state stayed loyal.
• Kentucky was a slave state and the birthplace of Abraham Lincoln. It was briefly claimed by the Confederacy but always remained part of the Union.

Confederate States

• Tennessee was a slave state and joined the Confederacy, though many people in its eastern parts supported the Union.
• Arkansas first stayed with the Union but left when Lincoln asked for troops.
• Mississippi was strongly Confederate.
• Louisiana was also deeply Confederate. However, after the Union captured New Orleans in April 1862, a Union government was set up there, even though the rest of the state was Confederate.

Divided States

• Missouri was a slave state that saw a lot of fighting between Union and Confederate supporters throughout the war. It even had a Confederate government that had to operate from outside the state.

Plans to Control the River

At the start of the war, the Union's top general, Winfield Scott, suggested a plan to move down the Mississippi River. This would cut the Confederacy in two. He also wanted to blockade (block off) the entire Southern coastline. People made fun of this plan, calling it the 'Anaconda Plan.' They said it would slowly squeeze the life out of the Confederacy, like a giant snake.

Many Union generals thought the war could be won quickly by marching directly to Richmond, the Confederate capital. General Henry Halleck, who was in charge of the western armies, even thought the Tennessee River was more important than the Mississippi. However, over time, the Union leaders realized how smart the Anaconda Plan was, and it became their main strategy.

The Confederate Navy had to build almost all its ships from scratch. So, their main goal on the Mississippi River was to defend their territory, not to attack.

Key Battles for the Mississippi River

New Madrid and Island Number Ten (February 28 – April 8, 1862)

The Confederates had built strong defenses at a tricky bend in the river, near New Madrid, Missouri, and on Island Number Ten. Union Major-General John Pope arrived unexpectedly in winter. He easily captured New Madrid. Then, he ordered two Union gunboats to sail past the island's defenses. This allowed his army to cross to the east (Tennessee) bank. The Confederates, outnumbered, had to surrender.

Capture of New Orleans (April 16-28, 1862)

Captain David Farragut of the Union Navy's West Gulf Blockading Squadron led an attack on New Orleans. He first faced strong forts, Fort Jackson and Fort St. Philip, which were protected by a large chain across the river. Union gunboats broke the chain, and Farragut's fleet fought its way past Confederate ships and fire-rafts. This allowed Union soldiers to enter and take control of the city. A Union government was then set up in New Orleans for the rest of the war.

Memphis (June 6, 1862)

The Confederate forces in Memphis were weak because many soldiers had been sent to defend other areas. So, the Union fleet only had to fight against a few Confederate gunboats and rams, which were not well-equipped. The Union forces quickly destroyed them in just two hours. The Union was able to capture and repair four Confederate ships for their own use.

Baton Rouge (August 5, 1862)

Confederate commander Earl Van Dorn wanted to take back Baton Rouge, Louisiana's capital. A Confederate force led by Major General John C. Breckinridge attacked at dawn. They killed the Union commander, Thomas Williams, and pushed the Union soldiers back to their defenses, which were protected by Union gunboats. However, a key Confederate ship broke down, turning the battle into a one-sided naval fight. Breckinridge was forced to retreat.

Vicksburg Campaign (December 26, 1862 - July 4, 1863)

After several failed attempts, including trying to change the river's path, Union General U.S. Grant marched his army down the west (Louisiana) bank of the Mississippi. Union gunboats managed to sail past Vicksburg's strong defenses and ferry Grant's army across to the east bank. From there, Grant chased the Confederate army into Vicksburg and surrounded the city. The Confederates eventually surrendered on July 4, 1863. This was a huge victory for the Union.

Key Actions During the Vicksburg Campaign

• Snyder’s Bluff (April 29 – May 1): This was a trick to make the Confederates think the main attack was coming from a different direction. A Union fleet sailed up the Yazoo River, drawing heavy fire, before retreating.
• Port Gibson (May 1): After crossing the river, Grant pushed the Confederates back from several defensive spots. This helped the Union secure a strong position and forced the Confederates to leave the port of Grand Gulf.
• Jackson (May 14): Grant moved on Jackson, the capital of Mississippi. Confederate General Joseph E. Johnston had to leave the city, allowing Grant to destroy its factories and railroad lines.
• Champion Hill (May 16): This was considered the most important battle of the campaign. The Confederates held a high position, but Grant's forces pushed them off the hill.
• Big Black River Bridge (May 17): This was the Confederates' last chance to avoid being trapped in Vicksburg. General Pemberton took a position on the river, but Grant defeated his forces. Pemberton's troops burned the bridges as they retreated, but many were captured.

Siege of Port Hudson (May 22 – July 9, 1863)

Union General Nathaniel Banks was ordered to move upriver to help General U.S. Grant at Vicksburg. Banks's job was to capture Port Hudson, the last Confederate stronghold on the river. His first attack failed, so he began a siege. This siege lasted 48 days, which was the longest in American history at that time. When the Confederates at Port Hudson finally surrendered, it meant the Union had completely freed the Mississippi River.