Champion's Hill Missisippi - May 16, 1863

| This Section Main Page | Historian | Statistician | Scientist | Song | Credits | Civil War Battles Index |

ó

Battle of Champion's Hill Historian Page Who: On May 16, 1863 the Battle of Champion's Hill occurred. General Ulysses S. Grant was the union General, and the 18th president of the United States of America. He was born in Point Pleasant, Ohio, and attended West Point University in 1839. He then went on and married Julia Dent in 1848. The General leading the confederate forces during the Battle of Champions hill was Lieutenant General John C. Pemberton. John C. Pemberton joined the confederate army in April of 1861. He became a major General in February of 1862. He was promoted as a Lieutenant General in October of 1862 where he took command of Mississippi, Tennessee, South Carolina, Georgia, and Florida. Confederate General General John C. Pemberton  Union General General Ulyssses S. Grant   What:  The confederate force advanced up the slopes of Champions Hill at 10:00 a.m. General Grant proclaimed the attack to begin. The Battle of Champions Hill only lasted about six hours. The battle commenced when the union forces threw out "skirmishers". By 11:00 a.m. the battle had gotten serious. At 3:30 p.m. the Union Soldiers brought out their "artillery", and placed heavy guns between their troops. General Pemberton then saw that his situation was impossible. He ordered his men to with drawl to Raymond Road, the one escape route still open. General Pemberon walked out of Champions Hill with only 17,949 men at his side. The confederates then were on their way to Vicksburg.    When and Where: The Battle of Champions Hill, occured on May 16, 1863. The battle took place on top of Champions Hill. Champions Hill is located in Hinds County, "midway" between Jackson and Vicksburg. That is why the name "Midway Hill" is sometimes used instead of "Champions Hill". Champions Hill is the more common of the two. Champions Hill is 60-70 feet high.   Why: On May 14, 1863, Joseph E. Johnston ordered Lt. General John C. Pemberton and 21,800 soldiers to leave Edwards Station and march east to attack the federals at Clinton. Pemberton felt that Johnston plan was too dangerous and "extremely hazardous" so he decided return back to Edwards Station. Pemberton felt that from Edwards Station, the Confederate force could either head to Vicksburg or get around the Federal forces and try to meet back up with General Johnston. Unfortunately, by the time General Pemberton made this decision, it was too late. His decision to disobey orders cost valuable time, confused and tired his men. It is one of the most foolish decisions made in the civil war. Union General, Ulysses S. Grant received notice of General Pembertons "plans", and planned to intercept with Pemberton. He formed three corps, and marched them into Jackson, where Pemberton and his troops were heading. On the morning of May 16, 1863 the two armies clashed and were soon involved in the Battle of Champions Hill. How: The Battle of Champions Hill ended when General Pemberton realized that his situation was impossible. It ended when the Confederate Soldiers surrendered and escaped out of Raymonds Road; the only escape route still open. Although this battle was small and short, it is very important and has great significance to the civil war. It was the most important battle of the entire Vicksburg campaign. It prevented a "junction" between General Johnston and General Pemberton, and opened the way to Vicksburg.  Important Events of 1863: 1. Polish Insurrection; Revolt in Polish Lands of Russia Location: Europe; Poland and Russia. Last and most "tenacious" Polish uprising 2. Attack of Kagoshima Location: Kagoshima, Japan; Asia British warships attacked Kagoshima over a British man who had been killed. 3. Earthquakes in South America Location: Peru and Equador; South America A three-day series of Earthquakes hits Peru and Equador. 25,000 people died.

Return to main page

Kamehameha Schools | 1887 Makuakäne St.| Honolulu, Hawai'i 96817 |  Tel. (808) 523-6200

© 2002 Kamehameha Schools. Statements of Privacy, Copyright, and Disclaimer. Site managed by Education Webmaster