The fall of Vicksburg in July 1863 fundamentally changed the strategic picture of the American Civil War, though its outcome had been anything but certain.
Read More
The fall of Vicksburg in July 1863 fundamentally changed the strategic picture of the American Civil War, though its outcome had been anything but certain.
Read Less
Add this copy of The Summer of? 63: Vicksburg and Tullahoma: Favorite to cart. $54.12, good condition, Sold by Bonita rated 4.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Newport Coast, CA, UNITED STATES, published 2021 by Savas Beatie.
In these difficult times, Americans may look to history to remind themselves of their ideals and of the sacrifices they have made for their country and for freedom and democracy. One of the best ways to think about the United States is through the Civil War which remains the pivotal event in our history. Two recent books from the Emerging Civil War, a public history forum devoted to bringing the Civil War to a broad, non-specialist audience, present an excellent way towards understanding crucial moments of the Civil War. The books celebrate ECW's 10th anniversary and examine campaigns from the Civil War in the summer of 1863. The first book, "The Summer of '63: Gettysburg", edited by Chris Mackowski and Dan Welch, covers the famous battle of Gettysburg, fought July 1 -- 3, 1863 between Robert E. Lee and George Meade in Pennsylvania. This second volume, also edited by Mackowski and Welch, "The Summer of '63: Vicksburg and Tullahoma" follows the crucial events of 1863 to Vicksburg, Mississippi and to Tullahoma, Tennessee, the sites of Union victories which, particularly for Tullahoma, are not as well-known as the Battle of Gettysburg.
Ulysses Grant accepted the surrender of Vicksburg on July 4, 1863, after a lengthy siege and an even lengthier campaign. The surrender of Vicksburg gave the Union control of the Mississippi River and divided the Confederacy in two The Tullahoma campaign conducted by Union General Rosecrans against the Confederacy's Army of Tennessee commanded by Braxton Bragg was an action of maneuver more than bloodshed. The campaign captured middle-Tennessee for the Union, setting the stage for Chickamauga, the Atlanta Campaign, and Sherman's March to the Sea.
This book consists of a series of essays from ECW historians, most of which are revised versions of essays which were published on ECW's blog. Some of the essays offer brief overviews of the two campaigns for readers new to them, but the majority of the essays focus on particular aspects of the campaign, including people, places, and human interest stories. The essays are short and readable and accompanied by maps and photos.
In the Gettysburg volume, Caroline Davis contributed an essay on a poem by Herman Melville about Pickett's Charge. Davis continues her exploration of Melville's Civil War poetry with her essay in this volume discussing Melville's poem about the Union's running of the batteries at Vicksburg. Bringing Melville to bear in this book of public history is a welcome and creative addition.
The running of the Vicksburg batteries by Union Admiral Porter has always been one of the most fascinating aspects of the Vicksburg campaign, and it is discussed by several essays in this volume in addition to Davis's exploration of Melville. Other subjects that the volume treats well include the two large scale and costly assaults on Vicksburg that Grant ordered on May 19 and 22 before settling down to the siege. These assaults often are not covered in detail in studies of Vicksburg. The essays explore the suffering caused by the siege to the civilian population of Vicksburg, the meeting surrendering Vicksburg between its commander, Pemberton, and Grant, and many human interest stories focusing on individual participants in the battle. The essays offer an excellent approach to understanding Vicksburg and its significance.
The shorter portion of the book is devoted to the Tullahoma Campaign, which tends to be known only to serious students of the Civil War. Following the success of the campaign, Union General Rosecrans worried that the Union would "overlook so great an event because it is not written in letters of blood." Unfortunately, history has proven Rosecrans correct. This volume in addition to some recent detailed studies may help give Tullahoma the attention it deserves. Rosecrans out-maneuvered his opponent decisively, driving the Confederacy from most of Tennessee and setting the stage for the famous events which followed. The essays in this volume give an overview of the campaign and describe the squabbling and divisiveness of the Confederate leadership. They explore the geography of the campaign, some its actions, and the brilliance of Rosecrans's strategy turning and almost capturing the Confederate Army. These essays will help the new reader understand an often overlooked action in the Civil War.
This volume and the companion volume on Gettysburg offer an excellent way for non-specialist readers as well as for readers with a strong interest in the Civil War to better understand and appreciate the critical events of the summer of 1863. The volumes may also remind readers of the valor and values of our country in defending liberty and democracy, and thus offer a vision of hope, strength, and ideals as we move forward.
I received a review copy of this book from the publisher. The opinions expressed are my own.
