The Mississippi River has always been a crucial transportation route. It wasn’t any different for the Confederacy during the U.S. Civil War. Vicksburg, Mississippi, which rests along the river at a key point, was integral to the Confederacy’s ability to move their military, arms, and supplies. In 1862, the Union began trying to secure Vicksburg and disrupt the supply chain. The battle for Vicksburg heated up from March to July 1863 and resulted in 123 Medals of Honor. On July 4, 1863, the city was surrendered to Union forces.