#vicksburg
General Ambrose Burnside(Union)
The undoubted master of American Civil War facial hair, Burnside’s distinctive whiskers were originally known as ‘burnsides’ which turned into 'sideburns’ over time.
His career as a general was rather less successful. He was given command of the Union’s Army of the Potomac after George McClellan was finally removed in November 1862. He’d previously refused the job believing himself not up to it, a low opinion of his abilities shared by others after the costly defeat at Fredericksburg the following month. Burnside soon resigned, although he remained in the Army. He later copped the blame for the high Union casualties during the disastrous Battle of the Crater outside Vicksburg in July 1864, and finished the war on extended leave.
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We’ve all been making a big to-do about the 150th anniversary of Gettysburg (and rightfully so), but people often forget another battle that took place around this time, arguably equal in importance: Vicksburg.
It was 150 years ago today that Lieutenant General Pemberton surrendered to Major General Grant after an almost two month siege on the city. The Confederates lost control of the Mississippi a day after Lee’s troops were repulsed at Gettysburg, two defeats that when coupled together spelled disaster for the rebels. It’s often cited as the turning point of the war and, indeed, the victory at Vicksburg paved the way for Grant to be promoted to General-in-chief and we all know the rest of the story.
You can read more about the Battle of Vicksburg at the Civil War Trust’s website, if you feel so inclined.
Happy Fourth of July, everyone!
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The Church of the Holy Trinity, Vicksburg, Mississippi, Jun. 22, 1963. Photo by Charles W. Cushman.
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“Civil War Soldier “ - Taken by Army Photographers Barr & Young at the Palace of Art in Vicksburg, Mississippi.
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