Bird songs and an aromatic blend of flowery fragrances fill the air as the dogwood, azalea and jasmine burst into bloom. Spain, France, Great Britain, the Confederate States and the United States. The city has survived an unfortunate history. The siege of 1863 and the loss of the river in 1876, when the Mississippi changed its course and bypassed the town, were traumatic events that forged the town's modern character. In 1903, river access was restored through the Army Corps of Engineers and the Yazoo River Diversion.
Southern hospitality is alive and well in Vicksburg.
Control of Vicksburg meant control of river traffic, making its capture one of the top Union objectives. When Vicksburg surrendered, Grant had met his objectives. Vicksburg was his. He had gained control of river traffic. He had divided the Confederacy.