The Great Redoubt (a four-sided, rectangular fortification), along with the Third Louisiana Redan (Tour Stop 3), was constructed to protect the Jackson Road entrance to Vicksburg. It was the largest and most formidable defensive work in the Confederate line. The redoubt was fiercely attacked by Union soldiers on May 22 and Federal color-bearers planted flags on the redoubt's walls. But after savage fighting, the blue-clad infantry was repulsed with heavy losses. During the ensuing siege operations, Union artillery bombarded the Great Redoubt until the surrender of Vicksburg on July 4, 1863.
