COLLECTIONS: Original Civil War "FIRED" Siege of Vicksburg (May 18 – July 4, 1863) Professionally Preserved Battlefield Excavated Rifle Bullets
This rare and museum-grade Civil War artifact is an original and professionally preserved “FIRED” rifle bullet excavated from the Siege of Vicksburg (May 18 – July 4, 1863) battlefield.
The Battle of Vicksburg, from May 18 to July 4, 1863, was a pivotal conflict in the American Civil War, marking a significant Union victory that effectively split the Confederacy and secured control of the Mississippi River. Union forces, led by Major General Ulysses S. Grant, employed a prolonged siege to isolate and bombard the city, leading to the surrender of over 29,000 Confederate soldiers under Lieutenant General John C. Pemberton. Both sides used advanced firearms like the Springfield Model 1861, Enfield Pattern 1853, and the Minié ball, as well as artillery such as the 12-pounder Napoleon and 3-inch Ordnance Rifle. The Union's superior weaponry and strategic acumen were crucial in overcoming the Confederate defenses, and the victory at Vicksburg, alongside the success at Gettysburg, marked a turning point in the war, significantly weakening the Southern war effort.
