LOESS CAVES AND THE SIEGE OF VICKSBURG

The loess caves of Vicksburg became famous during the forty-six day Siege of Vicksburg of the American Civil War. They were not true caves because none were naturally formed subterranean openings. Their uniqueness lies in the fact that, many vicksburgers dug caves into the loess hillsides creating semi-bombproof shelters. Because of loess’ ability to hold a vertical cut, the material was easily excavated into bombardment shelters with walls that could stand for many years without slumping. Generally, the caves had more than one entrance to allow air ventilation and to provide alternate escape routes and contemporary accounts reported that the caves varied in size from small family spaces to those large enough to accommodate several hundred people. However, even the loess caves could not take a direct hit, and it was reported that some caves did collapse from artillery bombardments. Mary Webster Loughborough a lifelong resident of Vicksburg describes her life in these caves during the siege and recounts how many persons tried to live their lives normally in loess caves dug into the hillsides. Because of loess’ unique physical properties, it is still a form of dwelling that is used today in many countries (e.g. Shanxi, Shaanxi and Gansu provinces China). Since prehistoric times, people in the Shanxi, Province of China have lived in loess caves carved into the local hillsides. It is estimated that world-wide over forty million people still reside in some form loess shelters.