EDWARDS, Miss. (AP) - A national group says it is expanding the protected area of a Civil War battlefield in central Mississippi.
The Civil War Trust said in a news release Tuesday that it has paid nearly $1.3 million to buy 319 acres (about 130 hectares) associated with the Battle of Champion Hill. With the addition of that land, nearly 800 acres (325 hectares) at the site are being protected from development.
On May 16, 1863, Union and Confederate forces fought at Champion Hill, between Jackson and Vicksburg. Union forces won the battle, and Confederate troops withdrew to Vicksburg. Less than two months later, the Union captured Vicksburg and won a victory further south at Port Hudson, Louisiana. Those Northern victories gave the Union control of the Mississippi River and cut off Confederate supply lines.
The Civil War Trust said it will maintain the Champion Hill property for the immediate future, eventually transferring the land to the National Park Service to become part of the Vicksburg National Military Park.
“The protection of these 319 acres guarantees that future generations of Americans will be able to walk in the footsteps of their ancestors and see the places where the issues of the American Civil War were decided,” said James Lighthizer, president of the Civil War Trust, in a statement.
A group called the Champion Hill Heritage Foundation is holding an event May 20 to remember those from both sides who fought and died in the battle. It will take place on the grounds of Champion Hill Missionary Baptist Church.
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