During the American Civil War few events produced more important strategic results for the cause of the Union than the campaigns resulting in the taking and holding of Vicksburg, Mississippi and Chattanooga, Tennessee. Along with the Federal victory at Gettysburg these victories were decisive in bringing about the final Union victory. Ulysses S. Grant was the man in charge of the Federal forces that won these two important victories. General Grant's solid competence and willingness to take calculated risks resulted in his being able to overcome the challenges of difficult terrain and heroic Confederate resistance at Vicksburg and what appeared to be unassailable enemy positions at Chattanooga. This book is the story of the courage and determination that accompanied the triumphs and mistakes of the officers and men on both sides.