Vicksburg National Military Park | GRANT’S CANAL

Grant's Canal, Vicksburg National Military Park

Grant’s Canal, Vicksburg National Military Park


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Today the Mississippi River no longer runs past Vicksburg, having changed course after an 1876 flood, but during the Civil War it formed a giant curve that snaked past the city. Situated high on a bluff overlooking the river, Vicksburg was in a prime location to control boat traffic from forts manned with powerful artillery. Because of this, the Union navy could not freely travel the length of the river. Vicksburg would have to be taken by force, and a heavy loss of life was expected. But what if a canal could be dug south of Vicksburg from one side of the curve in the Mississippi to the other? That would make Vicksburg irrelevant.

Map of Grant's Canal

Map of Grant’s Canal

The idea was the brainchild of General Thomas Williams, and he set out to dig the canal across De Soto Point on June 27, 1862. The canal would be 1.5 miles long, sixty feet wide, and six feet deep. Union soldiers and former slaves who sought refuge from the Union army went to work digging, but unfortunately the June heat combined with malaria and dysentery put an end to the idea after about a month. Hundreds of men died during the digging. Williams’ Canal was a failure.

So how did the canal get to be called Grant’s Canal? Well, in January 1863, General Grant decided to make a second attempt, this time in the cooler weather. However, he didn’t fare any better. Sickness spread through the work camps again, and after a dam broke the entire peninsula was flooded. The Confederates also set up artillery on the opposite shore near the canal’s exit and shelled the area, targeting Union dredges. In March the idea was once again abandoned. The Union would have to take Vicksburg by force.

Grant’s Canal is the most interesting of the Detached Park Units. Remnants of a canal section built under Grant’s direction can still be seen. Modern information panels as well as panels that were placed at the site in 1936 tell the story. In addition, a newer memorial to the 9th Regiment Connecticut Volunteers, who were the first to work on the canal in 1862, is at the site. One hundred and fifty-three men died due to disease while building the canal. For directions, visit the Detached Park Units main web page.

9th Regiment Connecticut Volunteers Memorial at Grant's Canal, Vicksburg National Military Park

9th Regiment Connecticut Volunteers Memorial at Grant’s Canal, Vicksburg National Military Park

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Last updated on January 19, 2022
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