"The Father of Waters again goes unvexed to the sea. Thanks to the great Northwest for it; nor yet wholly to them. Three hundred miles up they met New England, Empire, Keystone, and Jersey, hewing their way right and left. The Sunny South, too, in more colors than one, also lent a helping hand." — Abraham Lincoln, Letter to James C. Conkling, August 26, 1863
Lincoln's reference to "the Father of Waters" celebrates which Union strategic achievement?
- A
Defeating Lee at Antietam in Maryland
- B
Burning Atlanta during Sherman's march
- Ccheck_circle
Securing the Mississippi River by capturing Vicksburg
- D
Capturing Richmond, the Confederate capital
Explanation
Grant's July 1863 capture of Vicksburg gave the Union full control of the Mississippi, splitting the Confederacy. Antietam was 1862; Atlanta fell in 1864; Richmond not until April 1865.