Regional historian Glen Bishop will discuss the Battle of Champion Hill, which occurred on May 16, 1863, and is considered to have been the pivotal battle of the Vicksburg Campaign.

The Army of the Tennessee (U.S.A.), under Major General Ulysses S. Grant, attacked the retreating army of Lieutenant General John C. Pemberton (C.S.A.) and defeated them twenty miles east of Vicksburg, Mississippi. The battle led to the Siege of Vicksburg and its eventual surrender to Union forces.

The Battle of Champion Hill was especially important in the career of General John A. Logan, a southern Illinois native, significantly enhancing his reputation as an effective leader.

This event is free and open to the public. For more information, please call (618) 684-3455.