The Battle of Champion Hills occurred during Ulysses Simpson Grant's pursuit in 1863 of Pemberton toward Vicksburg. Pemberton having 25,000 Confederates at Champion Hills there occurred, on May 16, 1863 a severe battle in which the Confederates were badly beaten. The Confederates held a position along a narrow ridge, their left resting on a height overlooking the Vicksburg road. Hovey's division of Ulysses Simpson Grant's army was engaged in building a bridge at this point, and that leader began the battle. He was quickly reinforced by McClernand and McPherson. Logan's brigade had meantime reached the Confederate flank by a detour, so they were compelled to retreat hurriedly to escape being captured. As it was, many of their batteries fell into the hands of the Federals. Research Battle of Champion Hills