Grant's Canal - Delta, LA
Posted by: 
kwashnak
N 32° 19.258 W 090° 55.980
15S E 694574 N 3577889
Marker at Grant's Canal site, part of the Vicksburg National Military Park. Exit 186 off of I-20, go North towards US 80. Right on 80 and approximately 2 miles east. Signs point to the site. In Delta Louisiana.
Waymark Code: WMHAG8
Location: Louisiana, United States
Date Posted: 06/15/2013
Views: 20
Grant's Canal
During the summer of 1862, the Federals' first attempt to bypass Vicksburg by digging a canal across DeSoto Peninsula failed. By January 1863, the Federals had reoccupied the Louisiana shore opposite Vicksburg. Gen. U.S. Grant ordered work on the canal resumed. The canal was to be 60 feet wide, one and one-half miles long, and deep enough to float any vessel on the river. Ground was broken on January 30. Negro work gangs assisted by fatigue details from the Union Army began the work. Later, steam pumps and dredge boats were employed. To stop the work, the Confederates emplaced several big guns on the shore opposite the canal's exit but the work progressed. On March 7, the upper dam gave way, flooding the entire peninsula. "Grant's Canal" had failed.
Park is also the site of the Connecticut Memorial for the Vicksburg National Military Park.
Link to more information:: [Web Link]
Marker Name: Grant's Canal
Marker Type: Roadside
What does marker relate to?: Battle (war)
Parish: Madison
Year Erected or Date Dedicated: Not listed
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