Definition

1. Proper noun:
   • A decisive battle in the American Civil War (1863): Refers to the military engagement where, after a siege of nearly seven weeks, Confederate forces surrendered to the Union army.
   • A town in western Mississippi: A settlement located on bluffs above the Mississippi River, west of Jackson. It was the focal point of a critical Union campaign to gain control of the Mississippi River during the American Civil War.

Usage Examples

• Proper noun (Battle):

  • The surrender at Vicksburg was a major turning point in the war.
  • General Grant's victory at Vicksburg gave the Union control of the Mississippi.

• Proper noun (Town):

  • Vicksburg is a historic city with many museums related to the Civil War.
  • The campaign to capture Vicksburg was long and difficult.

Advanced Usage

• "The Siege of Vicksburg": A common historical term referring specifically to the prolonged military blockade and assault on the town.

  • The Siege of Vicksburg lasted 47 days.

• "The Vicksburg Campaign": Refers to the series of military maneuvers and battles led by Union General Ulysses S. Grant to capture the town.

  • The Vicksburg Campaign is studied for its brilliant strategy.

Variants and Related Words

• Vicksburger (noun, rare): A resident of Vicksburg.
  • As a lifelong Vicksburger, she knew the town's history well.

Synonyms

• The Gibraltar of the West (historical nickname): A contemporary term used to describe Vicksburg's formidable, fortress-like defensive position.
• None: As a proper noun for a specific place and battle, there are no true synonyms. It can only be referred to by its name or descriptive phrases like "the Mississippi River campaign."

Related Phrases

• "Fall of Vicksburg": A phrase denoting the event of the city's surrender.

  • The fall of Vicksburg split the Confederacy in two.

• "Starved into submission at Vicksburg": A descriptive phrase highlighting the siege tactics used.

  • The Confederate army was starved into submission at Vicksburg.

Noun

1. a decisive battle in the American Civil War (1863); after being besieged for nearly seven weeks the Confederates surrendered
2. a town in western Mississippi on bluffs above the Mississippi River to the west of Jackson; focus of an important campaign during the American Civil War as the Union fought to control the Mississippi River and so to cut the Confederacy into two halves