The Surrender of Vicksburg July 4

Confederates and residents of Vicksburg, Mississippi were under siege by Union forces under the command of General Ulysses S. Grant. The city of Vicksburg was the last hurdle for control of the Mississippi river. With the fall of Vicksburg, Union forces would gain full control over the Mississippi dividing the Confederacy in 2. During the days of the siege, General Grant took to the bottle when nothing was going on. The Confederates and residents were trying to stave off starvation, killing their own domesticated animals, horses, mules, dogs for food and even turned to eating rats. On July 4th with supplies almost gone, no chance for reinforcements, under constant shelling, and being under siege for 46 days. The Confederates under General John C. Pemberton in the city finally surrendered.

General Grant was later appointed the General-in-Chief of the Union armies.

It is unsure how long the residents of Vicksburg wouldn't celebrate the Fourth of July, until 1907, 1941, or 1945.