Vicksburg National Military Park in Warren County, Mississippi — The American South (East South Central)
Watching the Approach
Photographed By Mark Hilton, May 15, 2019
1. Watching the Approach Marker
On this steep hill crowned by rifle pits, Confederates easily threw back a Union assault on May 22, 1863. During the siege that followed, Confederate sharpshooters could only harass Union troops as they slowly dug trenches up the hill.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° 22.313′ N, 90° 51.039′ W. Marker is in Vicksburg National Military Park, Mississippi, in Warren County. Marker is on Confederate Avenue, on the left when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: Confederate Avenue, 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. U.S. Thayer's Approach. (here, next to this marker); U S Missouri 12th Infantry (here, next to this marker); William W. Martin (here, next to this marker); Iowa 26th Infantry (a few steps from this marker); Small Work on Left of Shoup's Brigade (a few steps from this marker); C S Missouri Third Battery
this page online
Regarding Watching the Approach. The Union soldiers at the lower point were commanded by Brigadier General John M. Thayer, and had taken part in the unsuccessful assaults on 19 May and 22 May. During those attacks, Thayer's men advanced up the hill only to be driven back by Confederates positioned at the top. After the second repulse, the Federals began digging a six-foot-deep approach trench. To prevent Thayer's men from exposure to Confederate fire, a short tunnel was excavated through the ridgeline protecting the Union forces. Once the Federals broke through the ridge, under cover of darkness, they were able to begin digging the approach trench toward the Southern position.
Photographed By Mark Hilton, May 15, 2019
2. View of marker with Thayer's Approach in the background.
Photographed By Mark Hilton, May 15, 2019
3. Looking east towards the marker.
Photographed By Mark Hilton, October 25, 2017
4. View of Confederate line, & the marker, in far background
Photographed By Mark Hilton, October 25, 2017
5. Thayer's tunnel
Credits. This page was last revised on May 19, 2019. It was originally submitted on May 19, 2019, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama. This page has been viewed 165 times since then and 59 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on May 19, 2019, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama.
