Vicksburg National Military Park in Warren County, Mississippi — The American South (East South Central)
The Mine Explosion
Photographed By Brandon Fletcher, November 28, 2008
1. The Mine Explosion Marker
After weeks of digging with picks and shovels, Union fatigue parties reached the Third Louisiana Redan before you. Excavating a tunnel underneath the fort, the Federals planted 2,200 lbs. of black powder, and detonated the mine on the afternoon of June 25, 1863. In a column of flame and dirt, men, wagons, mules, and artillery were blown skyward. Union soldiers, led by the 45th Illinois Infantry, surged into the crater and attempted to exploit the breech in the Confederate works. Fighting raged for 26 hours before the Union assault was driven back.
A second though smaller mine was exploded on July 1, seven blacks who were working in the countershafts were buried. One slave was blown clear and landed behind Union lines. When asked how high he had gone, he replied "about 3 miles." He became known as the man who was blown to freedom. No infantry assault followed this explosion.
Three days later on July 4, Grant and a portion of his victorious army marched in along the Jackson Road, on your left, and took possession of Vicksburg and thus pocketed the key to Union victory.
Erected by
Photographed By Brandon Fletcher, November 28, 2008
2. The Mine Explosion Marker Illustration
this page online
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: War, US Civil. A significant historical date for this entry is June 25, 1587.
Location. 32° 21.521′ N, 90° 50.623′ W. Marker is in Vicksburg National Military Park, Mississippi, in Warren County. Marker can be reached from Union Avenue, 0.9 miles north of Pemberton Avenue, on the left when traveling north. Located in Vicksburg National Military Park. 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. John E. Smith's Brigade; Assault, May 22, 1863. (here, next to this marker); Andrew Hickenlooper (a few steps from this marker); Blasting Their Way (a few steps from this marker); U.S. Logan's Approach. (within shouting distance of this marker); Mortimer D. Leggett (within shouting distance of this marker); Melancthon Smith (within shouting distance of this marker); Affair of the Crater; June 25-26, 1863. (within shouting distance of this marker); C.S. Appeal (Arkansas) Battery; (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Vicksburg National Military Park.
Also see . . . Vicksburg National Military Park. National Park Service (Submitted on August 24, 2015.)
Photographed By Brandon Fletcher, November 28, 2008
3. The Mine Explosion Marker
Marker just out of view on left (yellow arrow)
Photographed By Brandon Fletcher, November 28, 2008
4. The Mine Explosion Marker
Marker in distance (yellow arrow). In the farther distance, the Illinois Monument and Shirley House can be seen
Photographed By Brandon Fletcher, November 28, 2008
5. Third Louisiana Redan
Photographed By Brandon Fletcher, November 28, 2008
6. Third Louisiana Redan
Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on August 23, 2015, by Brandon Fletcher of Chattanooga, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 465 times since then and 44 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on August 23, 2015, by Brandon Fletcher of Chattanooga, Tennessee. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.
