Champion Hill

Check out our photos from the field of the most decisive battle of the Vicksburg Campaign

(13 photos in gallery)

2015 Target Property

Douglas Ullman, Jr.

The Civil War Trust is currently working to save 66 key acres of the Champion Hill battlefield. This hallowed ground is bordered by the historic Jackson Road, now known as Billy Fields Road.

Union Right Flank

Douglas Ullman, Jr.

On the afternoon of May 16, 1863, the Union right flank under John A. Logan crashed across this stretch of the Jackson Road, initiating a brutal fight that eventually drove the Confederates off the road. The Civil War Trust is currently working to save 66 acres to the left side of the road.

Jackson Road

Rob Shenk

The confident Federals of Ulysses S. Grant's Army of the Tennessee marched along this sunken road on their way into battle on Champion Hill.

Southern Railroad

Rob Shenk

Control of the strategic rail line connecting Vicksburg and Jackson was key to Grant's strategy during the Vicksburg campaign. This view is near Bolton, MS in the direction of Champion Hill.

Coker House - 1985

Library of Congress

Until recently, the Coker House—the only surviving structure from the Battle of Champion Hill—was in a state of severe disrepair, as this 1985 photo illustrates.

Coker House Today

Rob Shenk

A view of the restored Coker House.

Champion House Site

Rob Shenk

The Battle of Champion Hill was primarily fought on property belonging to Sid and Matilda Champion, who built a house on this site in 1853. Following the battle their home was used as a Federal house and later burned to the ground.

Champion Hill

Rob Shenk

View of Champion Hill from the Jackson Road. At the time of the battle, this hill was completely devoid of trees.

Artillery at Champion Hill

National Park Service

Union artillery shells Confederate positions on Champion Hill

Baker's Creek

Rob Shenk

Recent rains had swollen the waters of Baker's Creek, which hampered the withdrawal of Pemberton's army. The creek could only be crossed at two points--one on the Jackson Road and this one on the Raymond Road.

Crossroads at Champion Hill

Rob Shenk

The left flank of the Confederate army rested at this critical junction of the Jackson, Middle, and Ratliff Plantation roads.

Hill of Death

Rob Shenk

The fighting at the summit of Champion Hill was the bloodiest of the entire engagement, so much so that Union Gen. Alvin Hovey later referred to it as the "hill of death."

Tilghman Marker

Rob Shenk

This 1907 monument marks the spot where Confederate Brig. Gen. Lloyd Tilghman was killed by a piece of shrapnel while directing his artillery during the battle.