This photo of the Redan was taken shortly after the fall of Vicksburg
on July 4th, 1863. The breastworks and trenches in the foreground were
occupied by the 45th Illinois infantry during the July 2nd mine explosion.
The mound at the top center of the photo is the creator made by the 2,200
lbs. of black powder used for the blast. The painting below illustrates
the attack. As the Yankee forces occupied the creator they were mowed
down by the Confederates with artillery, and musket fire.
This photo was taken from the forward right flank of the Redan.
The blue sign in front of, and between the cannon marks the farthest point
the Yankee advance made.
This war time photo shows the Shirley house that is located about
1/4 mile in front of the Redan behind the Union lines. Several of the caves
that were dug by the Yankees to protect themselves from the artillery fire
still exist in the hills behind the house.
A modern tour map of the Vicksburg Military Park shows the Louisiana
Redan (3), and the Shirley House (2).
