Fourth of July I.

This is coolbert:

As reported in the Chicago Tribune from yesterday.

And as was reported in the Chicago Tribune from one-hundred-fifty-years ago!

"CHICAGO FLASHBACK"

"THE CIVIL WAR 150 YEARS AGO"

The headlines and coverage of those two epic events as transpired on the Fourth of July 1863. Thanks to the Tribune and Stephan Benzkofer for the continuing series of such reporting. Outstanding indeed.

"1863: A jubilant Fourth"

First, headlines announcing the surrender of Vicksburg. That hitherto impregnable and most important city overlooking the Mississippi river, a long-lasting siege the finality resulting in unconditional surrender of the Confederate forces. These particular headlines as printed in the Chicago Tribune of 8 July, that transmission of dispatches delayed by modern standards but up-to-date by the means of the time [1863].

"THE SURRENDER OF VICKSBURG."

"Long Looked for Come at Last."

The City Capitulates on the 4th of July.

"THE SIEGE ENDS ON ITS 47TH DAY."

"Official Dispatches of the Surrender."

"THE GOOD NEWS FINALLY CONFIRMED."

AND!

"VICKSBURG IS OURS."

"CELEBRATE."

"THE VALOR OF"

"WESTERN SOLDIERS!"

"SEND FOR"

"Splendid Exhibition"

"FIRE WORKS"

"HUNTINGTON & CO.,"

"To"

"NO. 7 Clark Street."

Those "Western Soldiers" contingents of troops from the states and territories of Indiana, Illinois, Michigan, Wisconsin, Iowa and Minnesota. What was at the time [1863] the "western" territory of the United States.

That capture of Vicksburg crucial to the "Anaconda" strategy of the Federal forces. Strangulation, those states comprising the Confederacy now separated and unable to provide mutual support and assistance. That most vital river route down the very center of the country [the Mississippi river] now also totally under control of the Union, this too deemed as vital to continuing Yankee overall strategy.

coolbert.