The Battle of Champion Hill, occurring on May 16, 1863, was a crucial engagement during the Vicksburg Campaign in the American Civil War. Union Army's Maj. Gen. Ulysses S. Grant led the Army of the Tennessee against the Confederate forces under Lt. Gen. John C. Pemberton. Situated twenty miles east of Vicksburg, Mississippi, the battle culminated in a significant Union victory, which subsequently laid the groundwork for the Siege of Vicksburg and the city's eventual surrender. This battle is also referred to as Baker's Creek.

In the prelude to the conflict, following the Union occupation of Jackson, Mississippi, Confederate forces, directed by General Joseph E. Johnston, began their retreat. Despite this, Johnston ordered Pemberton to attack the Union troops at Clinton. Pemberton's disagreement with the plan led him to target Union supply trains instead. As the Confederate troops maneuvered based on conflicting orders, they eventually found themselves positioned with their rear facing the crest of Champion Hill. When the battle commenced on May 16, Pemberton's forces set up a defensive line overlooking Jackson Creek. However, their left flank was exposed, which the Union forces sought to exploit. By mid-day, Union troops had reached the Confederate's primary defense line. As the day wore on, the Confederate defenses crumbled, especially after Grant's counterattack, forcing them to retreat to the Big Black River, setting the stage for the ensuing Battle of Big Black River Bridge.

Champion Hill was a devastating blow to the Confederates, resulting in a clear Union victory. Grant recounted the gruesome aftermath of the battle in his memoirs, highlighting the harrowing scenes of casualties. While Union forces suffered approximately 2,500 casualties, Confederate losses amounted to around 3,800. Grant was notably critical of Union leader McClernand, citing a lack of aggression which prevented the complete annihilation of Pemberton's forces. The Confederates faced not only significant casualties but also lost most of Loring's division, which decided to regroup with Joseph E. Johnston in Jackson.