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The Yazoo River was of major importance during the American Civil War. The first electrically detonated underwater mine was used on the river in 1862 near Vicksburg to sink the Union ironclad USS Cairo. The last section of the Cairo was raised on December 12, 1964. It has been restored and is now on permanent display to the public at the Vicksburg National Military Park. There are 29 sunken ships from the Civil War beneath the waters of the river.

Gunboats Ascending the Yazoo River

The Yazoo River was of major importance during the American Civil War. The first electrically detonated…

Passage of the second division of the Federal Squadron past Fort St. Philip. On April 24, 1862 at three o'clock in the morning, the greater part of Commodore Farragut's squadron passed the forts through one of the most terrible fires ever known. It consisted of five sloops of war and nine gunboats. The mortar flotilla and eight war steamers remained below, thus putting the forts between two fires, and cutting off all communication with New Orleans. General Duncan surrendered the forts unconditionally to Captain Porter, on Monday, April 28. There were found about seven hundred men in each fort.

The Great Naval Battle of the Mississippi

Passage of the second division of the Federal Squadron past Fort St. Philip. On April 24, 1862 at three…