Background

Grant's Canal: A Civil War Engineering Feat

Explore the remains of Grant's Canal in Louisiana, a Civil War-era project to bypass Vicksburg and control the Mississippi River.

4.3

Grant's Canal in Delta, Louisiana, is the remnant of a Union Army attempt to bypass Confederate-held Vicksburg during the Civil War. Though the canal project ultimately failed, it stands as a testament to the strategic importance of the Mississippi River and the immense engineering challenges of the era.

A brief summary to Grant's Canal

Local tips

  • Visit early in the morning or late afternoon for the best lighting for photography and fewer crowds.
  • Wear comfortable walking shoes, as the terrain can be uneven in some areas.
  • Bring a camera to capture the scenic views and informative displays along the canal.
  • Check for any seasonal events or guided tours that may enhance your visit.
widget icon

Getting There

  • Driving

    From Vicksburg, Mississippi, head west on I-20 towards Louisiana. Take Exit 186 for Delta, Louisiana. Turn right at the stop sign and continue to the intersection with LA-3218. Turn right again and follow the road to the intersection with Old Highway 80 E. Turn right to go under the interstate. The historical markers for Grant's Canal will be on your left. Parking is available along the road.

  • Public Transportation

    Public transportation to Grant's Canal is limited. The nearest bus station is in Vicksburg. From there, take a taxi or rideshare service (Uber or Lyft) directly to Grant's Canal. Expect a taxi fare of around $20-$30.

Unlock the Best of Grant's Canal

Buy tickets

    No tickets available

Book tours with entry

    No tours available

Book tours without entry

    No tours available

Discover more about Grant's Canal

Grant's Canal, also known as Williams's Canal, represents a fascinating, albeit unsuccessful, chapter in the Union's campaign to capture Vicksburg during the American Civil War. Located in Delta, Louisiana, across the Mississippi River from Vicksburg, the canal was envisioned as a way to circumvent the Confederate stronghold and gain control of the vital waterway. In 1862, Union Brigadier General Thomas Williams initiated the project,tasking his men with digging a canal across De Soto Point. The goal was to create a new channel for the Mississippi River, bypassing Vicksburg's formidable defenses and rendering the city vulnerable. The work was grueling, and disease spread rapidly among the soldiers and laborers due to the harsh conditions. Despite these challenges, the work continued, and later Major General Ulysses S. Grant took an interest in the project. Grant attempted to improve the canal's prospects by shifting the upstream entrance to a location with a stronger current. However, heavy rains and flooding caused a dam to break, which prevented the project from succeeding. Ultimately, the canal was abandoned in March 1863, and Grant turned to other strategies to capture Vicksburg, which finally surrendered on July 4, 1863. Today, a small section of Grant's Canal survives, preserved as part of the Vicksburg National Military Park. Visitors can explore the site, walk along the remnants of the canal, and learn about the history and significance of this ambitious undertaking. Interpretive signs provide insights into the construction efforts, the challenges faced by the workers, and the strategic context of the Civil War. The site also serves as a memorial to the Black troops who participated in the campaign and siege of Vicksburg.

Popular Experiences near Grant's Canal

Popular Hotels near Grant's Canal

Select Currency