The Battle of Vicksburg took place from May 22-July 4, 1863 in Vicksburg, Mississippi between Union forces led by General Ulysses S. Grant and Confederate forces led by Lieutenant General John C. Pemberton. The Confederates had a defensive line around 6.5 miles long with fortifications, but were outnumbered by the Union forces. After weeks of bombardment and siege, Pemberton surrendered Vicksburg to Grant on July 4th, giving the Union control of the Mississippi River and splitting the Confederacy.