We all know that the Declaration of Independence from Britain was signed on July 04 1776. But some may not know that two pivotal victories were won on July 04 1863, in the American Civil War.
The capture of the city of Vicksburg Mississippi,the most important of the two IMO! Union forces under Maj.General U.S.Grant, after a lengthy siege of the city,entered it after Confederate forces surrendered to Grant. The fall of Vicksburg,resulted in the Union dominating the entire length of the Mississippi river,thus effectively divideing the Confederacy in two and cutting them off from all accsess to the river, for transportation purposes.
The second was the victory day three, in the bloody Battle of Gettysburg Pennsylvania, by Union forces commanded by Maj. General, George Gordon Meade. While possibly a Pyrrhic victory, it badly weakend the Army of Northern Virginia,commanded by Robert E. Lee. These two battles taken together, led to the ultimate defeat and surrender of Confederate forces.

interesting

Interesting Karl,thanks for that.

The Mississippi campaign and the victory at Vicksburg led to the promotion of Grant by Lincoln to the rank of Lietenant General. The last to hold this rank in the US military before Grant's promotion was George Washington. In the Confederacy Lee had already been promoted to Lt.General.

happy independanc day, colonials. Enjoy it while it lasts. Also, we let you win.