How did the Union army gain control of the Mississippi River?

1 Answer
Sep 3, 2016

Finally by conquering Vicksburg.

Explanation:

Actually winning control of the Mississippi was a long process. It started with the conquests of New Orleans, and Fort Donelson ending with the conquest of Vicksburg.

The Union control of the Mississippi was made possible by the superiority of the Union River Craft. The armored gunboats of the Union Navy were far superior to any craft that the Confederacy could float.

The only obstacles to the Union Control of the river were the Confederate forts. The Union gun boats were also instrumental in the reduction of many of the forts along the Rivers, except Vicksburg.

Vicksburg being high on a bluff along the river could not be shelled by the Gunboats. The cannons on the bluff at Vicksburg controlled the River. Vicksburg had to be taken for Union to gain complete control of the Mississippi River and could off all supplies from the West.

There were many unsuccessful attempts by the Union to take Vicksburg. Finally Grant marched his army down the opposite side of the River from Vicksburg. Then the Union Transports and Gunships ran down the river past the cannons of Vicksburg at night.

The transports then moved Grant's army to the Vicksburg side of the River. After some key battles Grant was able to lay siege the fortress of Vicksburg. The starving forces of the town surrendered to Grant, giving the Union control of the Mississippi River.

The surrender of Vicksburg coupled with the Confederate defeat at Gettysburg at the same time spelled the end of any hope of the Confederacy winning the Civil War.