Control of the Mississippi

The blockade runners initially thrived, using speed to navigate through Union blockades, but their success waned as Union forces tightened their grip. The capture of New Orleans marked a turning point, leading to the strategic importance of Vicksburg, a key stronghold that, once taken, split the Confederacy and allowed the Union to dominate river traffic and logistics. This shift not only hindered Confederate supply lines but also enabled the Union to further extend its control over the Gulf Coast.