Examining Civil War's Yazoo Pass Expedition

This study analyzes Union and Confederate strategic and operational decisions, resources, and actions
taken during joint operations conducted during the Vicksburg Campaign of 1863. The primary operation
examined, the Yazoo Pass Expedition, was authorized by Major General Ulysses S. Grant, commanding
the Department of the Tennessee, and Rear Admiral David D. Porter, commanding the Mississippi
Squadron. Grant and Porter hoped to open a line of operations extending from the Mississippi River along
the Coldwater, Tallahatchie, Yalobusha, and Yazoo Rivers. This line of operations would be used to
establish a lodgement on the Confederate right flank north of Vicksburg in order to outflank Confederate
defenders at Vicksburg, Mississippi. The Yazoo Pass Expedition was one of the longest flanking
maneuvers attempted during the war. Joint operations were essential to maneuver along an inland water
route of over 400 river miles. However, no joint structure or doctrine existed at the time to compel either
service to submit to the command of the other. Experience gained from this joint cooperation and the
ultimate failure of the expedition helped Grant develop as a strategic and operational commander.
Modern joint staff officers can benefit from this experience to improve future operations