May The Blessings Laid Upon this Nation at it's Founding
Remain Forevermore!
This day also marks the anniversary of the fall of Vicksburg. On July 4th, 1863, after a 47 day siege of the city, ravished by hunger and disease, the heavily fortified stronghold and the Mississippi River navigation it controlled were surrendered to General Ulysses S. Grant, changing to course of the war. July 4th celebrations were not again observed in Vicksburg until 1907.
