American Civil War Fortifications (3): The Mississippi and River Forts

American Civil War Fortifications #3

by Ron Field, Adam Hook (Illustrator)

The Mississippi River played a decisive role in the American Civil War. The Confederate fortifications that controlled the lower Mississippi valley were put to the test in the lengthy Federal campaign of 1862-63. Vicksburg was a fortress city, known as the "Gibraltar of the Confederacy," whose capture is often seen as the key to victory in the war.

This book explores the fortifications of the river valley, focusing on Vicksburg and its defenses which boasted a network of forts, rifle pits, and cannon embrasures surrounding the city and examining the strengths and weaknesses of the fortifications when under siege. Also examined are numerous other fortified strongholds, including New Orleans, Port Hudson, New Madrid and, forts Henry and Donelson, all lavishly illustrated with full color artwork and cutaways.

Genres: American Civil War, Military History, Civil War, History

64 pages, Paperback

First published November 20, 2007

Reviews

[Jimmy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting look at the forts built along (or near) the Mississippi during the first half of the war, until the capture of Vicksburg. Like other Osprey books, it tends to be rather brief, with much of the book concentrating on the siege of Vicksburg (which was already covered in a Campaign series book).