Near Grand Gulf in Claiborne County, Mississippi — The American South (East South Central)

Whirlpool

Photographed by Tom Bosse, July 2, 2017

1. Whirlpool Marker

Inscription. Grand Gulf was named for the large whirlpool or gulf formed by the current of the Mississippi River being diverted to the left by the rocky headland called Point of Rock. At the time of the Civil War, the Big Black discharged into the Mississippi at the head of the gulf.

During the battle of Grand Gulf, the three Union ironclads which first attacked Fort Cobun were buffeted by the powerful currents. The “Tuscumbia” was turned round and round. When the “Benton’s” wheel was damaged by a Confederate shell, she spun around as she dropped down river. After Fort Wade was silenced, the “Louisville”, “Carondelet” and “Mound City” moved against Fort Cobun. These ironclads steamed in a circle blasting Fort Cobun at distances of from 500 to 600 yards.

The river has now retreated and the gulf is covered with trees.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Forts and Castles • War, US Civil • Waterways & Vessels.

Location. 32° 2.556′ N, 91° 3.113′ W. Marker is near Grand Gulf, Mississippi,

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in Claiborne County. It can be reached from Grand Gulf Road 1.8 miles north of Frazier Road when traveling north. This marker, along with several others, are located in a wooded area at the end of Grand Gulf Road. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Port Gibson MS 39150, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Southwest Mississippi, in Natchez Trace Corridor,

and in Greater Jackson.

It is also in the American South,

specifically in the Deep South,

and in the Great River Road Region.

Globally, it is in North America,

a Gulf of Mexico state,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain,

the territory of the Mississippian Culture,

one of the Confederate States of America,

and the Antebellum South.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Fort Cobun (a few steps from this marker); Naval Battle During Grant’s Campaign (within shouting distance of this marker); Site of Hot Shot Furnace (within shouting distance of this marker); Point of Rock (within

USS Louisville image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Tom Bosse

2. USS Louisville

shouting distance of this marker); On to Vicksburg (approx. 0.6 miles away); Grand Gulf (approx. 0.7 miles away); Town of Grand Gulf (approx. 0.7 miles away); Confederate Riﬂe Pits (approx. 0.7 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Grand Gulf.

Also see . . . The Battle of Grand Gulf. (Submitted on July 18, 2017, by Tom Bosse of Jefferson City, Tennessee.)

Photographed by Tom Bosse, July 2, 2017

3. Whirlpool Marker

Photographed by Tom Bosse, July 2, 2017

4. Whirlpool Marker

Marker is on the left.

Photographed by Tom Bosse

5. USS Benton

USS Tuscumbia image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Tom Bosse

6. USS Tuscumbia

Credits. This page was last revised on July 20, 2017. It was originally submitted on July 18, 2017, by Tom Bosse of Jefferson City, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 682 times since then and 41 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on July 18, 2017, by Tom Bosse of Jefferson City, Tennessee. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.