Tag - July 04

The Civil War Vicksburg 1863

The Civil War Vicksburg 1863

Issue:  The Civil War Vicksburg 1863. USA Forever, Vicksburg April 16-July 04,1863

Type:  Stamp, First-Class Forever Commemorative

Number of Stamps:  1

Stamps Denomination:  46c

Issue Date:  2013

Issued By:  United States Postal Service (USPS)

About

The “Civil War: Vicksburg 1863” stamp is part of a series issued by the United States Postal Service (USPS) to commemorate significant events during the American Civil War. The Siege of Vicksburg, which took place in 1863, was a pivotal battle that greatly influenced the outcome of the war.

Key Details:

  • Date of Issue:

    The Vicksburg stamp was part of the Civil War Sesquicentennial Series, which began in 2011 to mark the 150th anniversary of the Civil War (1861–1865). The Vicksburg stamp was released in 2013 to honor the 150th anniversary of the battle.

  • Historical Context:

    The Siege of Vicksburg, which lasted from May 18 to July 4, 1863, was a critical Union victory during the Civil War. The battle resulted in the Union gaining control of the Mississippi River, which split the Confederacy in two and gave the North a major strategic advantage. The surrender of Vicksburg by Confederate forces under General John C. Pemberton to Union General Ulysses S. Grant marked a turning point in the war.

  • Design:

    The stamp depicts scenes associated with the battle, often showing historical artwork or illustrations that capture the intensity of the siege. This includes imagery of soldiers in trenches, the landscape of Vicksburg, and Union and Confederate forces in battle. The design reflects the ruggedness of the Mississippi terrain and the military fortifications used during the siege.

  • Significance:

    The fall of Vicksburg, along with the Union victory at Gettysburg (fought simultaneously), marked a decisive moment in the Civil War, as it disrupted Confederate supply lines and gave the Union control of the Mississippi River. The victory at Vicksburg solidified General Grant’s reputation, eventually leading to his promotion as the commander of the Union armies.

  • Collectibility:

    This stamp is part of a series that is highly valued by collectors interested in American history, particularly those focused on military and Civil War memorabilia. The stamp, along with others in the Civil War Sesquicentennial Series, serves as both a tribute to the soldiers who fought and a reminder of the war’s lasting impact on the United States.

This stamp not only honors the historical significance of the Siege of Vicksburg but also serves as a reminder of the critical events that shaped the course of American history during the Civil War.