South Fort

South Fort (1862-1865) - A Confederate fortification established in 1862 as a part of the defenses of Vicksburg in Warren County, Mississippi. Captured by Union forces in 1863. Abandoned at the end of the U.S. Civil War in 1865.

South Fort Emplacements	South Fort Cannon
South Fort Entrance

South Fort History

Built in 1862 by Confederate forces as a part of the defense of Vicksburg. This fort was the southernmost position of the Confederate defensive ring and had a commanding view of the southern Mississippi River approach to the city. This position on the Confederate right flank could fire upon Union ship coming up river and on Warrenton Road to counter a land attack. South Fort mounted some of the heaviest siege guns on the Confederate side including a 10" mortar that was particularly devastating.

The siege of Vicksburg was over on 4 Jul 1863 when General Pemberton surrendered to General Ulysses S. Grant and Union forces occupied Vicksburg for the remainder of the war.

Current Status

Part of the Vicksburg National Military Park in Warren County, Mississippi. Period guns and carriages are in place.

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Location: Vicksburg National Military Park, Warren County, Mississippi. Maps & Images Lat: 32.3161609 Long: -90.8986688 Multi Maps from ACME Maps from Bing Maps from Google Elevation: .....'

Sources:

• Roberts, Robert B., Encyclopedia of Historic Forts: The Military, Pioneer, and Trading Posts of the United States, Macmillan, New York, 1988, 10th printing, ISBN 0-02-926880-X, page 451

Links:

• North American Forts - South Fort

Visited: 3 Dec 2009

South Fort Picture Gallery

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