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.
Champion Hill
Civil War
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Champion Hill
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Help Save Champion Hill Battlefield
Join us in the opportunity to create a remarkable legacy to leave for future generations by saving 226 acres at Reams Station, Champion Hill, The Breakthrough and Salem Cemetery.
(13 photos in gallery)
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.
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