How to Research the Battle of Big Black River Bridge

Posted by Anonymous , 9/4/2007 Tags:BattleBigBlackRiverBridge

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Introduction The battle of Big Black River Bridge was fought May 17, 1863, in Hinds and Warren

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Introduction

The battle of Big Black River Bridge was fought May 17, 1863, in Hinds and Warren counties, Mississippi. The Union captured approximately 1,800 Confederates, making this battle a Union victory. The following steps will aid in your search for information about this Civil War battle.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Steps

1

Step One

Search history websites to understand the significance of this battle. Less than half of the Confederates at Champion Hill would make it to Vicksburg. These remaining forces would not be able to defend Vicksburg against Grant's siege.
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Step Two

Look for information on a overview of this battle. The Confederates reached the Big Black River after their defeat at Champion Hill on the evening of May 16. Lieutenant General John C. Pemberton ordered three brigades under Brigadier General John S. Bowen to fortify the east bank of the river and delay any Union pursuit.
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Step Three

Examine why three divisions of Major General John A. McClernand's corps left Edwards Station on the morning of May 17. This force encountered the entrenched Confederates, who began firing on them with artillery. Union Brigadier General Michael K. Lawler's second Brigade under Brigadier General Eugene A. Carr's charged into the Confederate breastworks held by Brigadier General John Vaughn's East Tennessee Brigade.
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Step Four

Research how the Confederates withdrew in panic and confusion across the Big Black River on the railroad bridge and the steamboat Dot, which was also used as a bridge. The fleeing Confederates set fire to the bridges to delay the Union's pursuit and arrived disorganized the same day in Vicksburg. This battle had an estimated 273 Union and 2,000 Confederate casualties.
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