Battle of Raymond, Milepost 78.3

On May 8, 1863, Grant's forces drew fire from a Confederate brigade, commanded by Confederate Brigadier General John Gregg, located on the southern edge of Raymond three miles east of this location. After a day of bitter fighting the Confederates retreated toward Jackson, Mississippi leaving their wounded in the county courthouse. This convinced General Grant of the need to capture Jackson, Mississippi in order to assure success of his army's forthcoming siege of Vicksburg.