Vicksburg National Military Park in Warren County, Mississippi — The American South (East South Central)
Standing Guard at Jackson Road
On May 22, 1863, Union troops swarmed down Jackson Road from the east to attack the Third Louisiana Redan. An innocent-looking ridge today this once-massive structure posed a forbidding obstacle to Federal forces. The assault failed, and Grant's men withdrew to safety behind the ridge below the Shirley House (to your right).
Sharpshooter vs. Sharpshooter
When the siege began, Union troops dug toward the Third Louisiana Redan. As the trench neared the fort, Confederate sharpshooters made life difficult for the Federal digging crews.
Lieutenant Henry Foster—known as "Coonskin" for his raccoon fur cap—built a tower out of railroad ties facing the Third Louisiana Redan to protect his comrades.
Union sharpshooters concealed in Coonskin's Tower used a mirror to watch for Confederates taking aim at Federal soldiers below. Without becoming targets themselves, Foster and friends beat their enemies to the trigger.
Erected by National Park Service, Department of the Interior.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: War, US Civil. A significant historical date for this entry is May 22, 1863.
Location. 32° 21.566′ N, 90° 50.464′ W. Marker is in Vicksburg National Military Park, Mississippi, in Warren County. Marker is on Old Jackson Road, on the right when traveling west. Located near the Shirley House and the Illinois Monument. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Vicksburg MS 39183, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Manning F. Force Monument (a few steps from this marker); Art That Honors (a few steps from this marker); Wexford Lodge (Shirley House) (within shouting distance of this marker); U.S. Logan's Approach (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); U.S. 11th Battery, (about 600 feet away); U.S. Battery G, (about 600 feet away); Mortimer D. Leggett (about 700 feet away); The Mine Explosion (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Vicksburg National Military Park.
Credits. This page was last revised on October 31, 2017. It was originally submitted on October 31, 2017, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama. This page has been viewed 346 times since then and 26 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on October 31, 2017, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama.