THE BATTLE OF CHAMPION HILL
May 16, 1863
Champion’s Hill, the decisive battle of Vicksburg Campaign, begins about 7:00am. Lieutenant General John C. Pemberton, the Confederate commander, deployed his three divisions in a three mile-long battle line that ran from southwest to northeast along a ridge overlooking Jackson Creek. His position was suited for defense and was especially formidable against attacks along the Middle and Raymond roads. He was, however, unaware that one of the three Union columns was pushing down the Jackson Road toward his unprotected left flank on Champion’s Hill. If unchecked, this Union force could capture Edwards and cut the Confederates off from their base of operations – Vicksburg. Shortly after 9:00 am. A courier brought warning of the Federal advance along Jackson Road. Confederate troops were shifted to the left to cover Champion’s Hill and protect vital crossroads. Federal soldiers arrived near the Champion’s house, swung from column into double line of battle and unlimbered their artillery. The battle roared into action.
Major General Grant established his headquarters at the Champion’s house. The ordered his 10,000 men on the Jackson Road to move forward in magnificent style with flags flying. The long blue lines extended westward beyond the Confederate Flank. To meet this threat, Confederate troops shifted farther to the west creating a gap between the forces defending the
And those forces defending the Raymond Road.
By 11:30 a.m. the Federals closed in on the Confederate main line of resistance. With a cheer they stormed the position. The fighting was intense as the battle raged on Champion’s Hill. The lines swayed back and forth as charge and countercharge was made. Shortly after 1:00p.m. The strength of numbers prevailed. The blue tide swept over the crest of Champion’s Hill.
The Confederates fell back in disorder to the Jackson Road. Followed closely by the hard-driving Federals. The powerful Union drive captured the crossroads and severed the Jackson Road escape route. Confronted with disaster, Pemberton ordered this two remaining divisions to counterattack. Leaving one brigade to guard the Raymond Road, the Confederate moved from their right along the Ratliff Road towards the crossroads. Brigadier General John S. Bowen’s 4,500 men attacked the Federals near the crossroads. Using bayonets they drove the Federals back and gained control of Champion’s Hill. Outnumbered, the Confederate attack faltered short of the Champion’s house.
Grant ordered up fresh troops to drive back the Confederates and moved the Federals forward along the Middle and Raymond roads. Confederate resistance was shattered and Pemberton ordered his army from the field.
Federal combat strength: 32,000. Casualties: 2,441
Confederate combat strength: 22,000. Casualties 3,840
That shone most brightly in it were set
There by the blood of the men of Champion Hills…. Six
thousand blue and gray-coated men were lying there in
The woods, dead or wounded, when the last gun of Champion Hills were fired.”