Port Gibson Battlefield facts for kids
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Port Gibson Battle Site
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 Location in Mississippi
Location in the United States
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| Nearest city | Port Gibson, Mississippi |
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| Area | 2,080 acres (840 ha) (1972 listing) 3,400 acres (1,400 ha) (2005 landmark designation) |
| NRHP reference No. | 72000690, 05000461 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | November 3, 1972 |
| Designated NHL | April 5, 2005 |
The Port Gibson Battlefield is a special place near Port Gibson, Mississippi. It is where an important fight, called the Battle of Port Gibson, happened in 1863 during the American Civil War. This battle was a big step for the Union Army in their plan to capture Vicksburg.
The battlefield covers about 3,400 acres (1,376 hectares) of land. It is west of Port Gibson, along Rodney Road. Here, the Union Army landed after crossing the Mississippi River. They wanted to create a safe area, called a "beachhead," to start their attack on Vicksburg. The Union soldiers won this battle. This victory helped them later capture Vicksburg, which was a very strong Confederate fort.
In 1972, part of this area was added to the National Register of Historic Places. This list helps protect important historical sites in the United States. Later, in 2005, an even larger part of the battlefield became a National Historic Landmark. This means it is a place of great national importance. Groups like the American Battlefield Trust have worked to save and protect 644 acres (261 hectares) of this historic land.
What the Battlefield Looks Like
The Port Gibson Battlefield is about 4 miles (6.4 km) west of Port Gibson. The land here has many deep ditches called ravines and flat areas called terraces. This is because of the type of soil, which is a soft, fine dirt called loess. For a long time, this land was used for farming.
Today, most of the area is covered with trees. There are also some modern houses and buildings, mostly along Rodney Road. This road cuts through the middle of the battlefield. The only old building left from the time of the battle is the Shaifer plantation house. This is where the battle first started. Back in 1863, the flat areas would have been farms. The ravines would have been filled with thick, jungle-like plants.
The Battle of Port Gibson
Before this battle, Union General Ulysses S. Grant had tried many times to reach Vicksburg from the north. But these attempts did not work. So, he decided to march his army down the west side of the Mississippi River. His goal was to find a place to cross the river south of Vicksburg. From there, he could attack the city.
He found a good crossing spot at Bruinsburg. This place was just south of a river mouth called Bayou Pierre. On April 30, 1863, General Grant began a huge military operation. It was one of the biggest water landings in U.S. history at that time. The Union soldiers landed without any fighting. Grant quickly moved his troops up the road toward Port Gibson to secure their landing spot.
On May 1, Union forces met Confederate soldiers near the Shaifer plantation. The Confederate troops were led by General John S. Bowen. A long and bloody battle took place all day. The Union forces won this important fight. This victory was a key step for General Grant. It helped him succeed in his plan to capture Vicksburg, which was a major turning point in the Vicksburg Campaign.
The Shaifer plantation house, which is still standing today, is now owned by the state.
