I was elated to see in the History Channel’s Grant miniseries that Milliken’s Bend was more than just a mark on a map for a supply depot, as Grant’s army crossed the Mississippi River to invest Vicksburg. The fight that took place at Milliken’s Bend on June 7, 1863, between the Texans of Henry McCulloch’s Brigade, and the troops of the African Brigade often is overlooked. In strictly military terms, the battle was a strategic sideshow in the Vicksburg campaign – but it was an enormous step forward in the story of African American participation in the war.

The segment discussing the battle at Milliken’s Bend occurs in the second episode of the miniseries, about 30 minutes in. It is introduced by several scholars who speak on the revolutionary significance of the Emancipation Proclamation. Among them is Ta-Nehisi Coates:

“The idea that black people would fight as soldiers – this was like a man going to the moon.” – Ta-Nehisi Coates

The notion that blacks – especially former slaves – could become courageous and reliable soldiers seemed to most white men to be preposterous. But on June 7, the freedmen of the African Brigade proved them wrong with their heroism and tenacity at Milliken’s Bend.

I was grateful to see so many scholars speaking about Milliken’s Bend and bringing attention to this long-overlooked battle. Among the speakers are Marcia Chatelain, Allen Guelzo, Christy Coleman, Ta-Nehisi Coates, Terry Winschel, and Ron Chernow, most of whom I have had the pleasure to meet or correspond with.

And while I am very gratified to see Milliken’s Bend getting its due – I’m disappointed in its portrayal during the reenacted segment. Inexplicably, the savage hand-to-hand fighting takes place in a pouring rainstorm. Why this decision was made by the production team is beyond me. The weather at Milliken’s Bend was a beat-down withering summer day of full sun, with the thermometer measuring “95 degrees in the shade” according to one eyewitness.

Why should I object so much simply on the grounds of “weather inaccuracy?” Because if something this basic is portrayed incorrectly – then unfortunately, it calls in to question the factual reliability of just about every other aspect of what is being presented. Admittedly, I’m proud to say that by and large – with this one glaring oversight – the History Channel got most of the Milliken’s Bend story right. It was in fact a desperate hand-to-hand fight. It did much to prove to a skeptical Northern public – and indeed, even their Confederate adversaries – that black men could make good soldiers. The fact that the History Channel chose to include Milliken’s Bend at all is a significant directorial decision. But it saddened me to know that a blatant error like the rain storm found its way in to the film.

What did you think about the Grant miniseries? Had you heard of Milliken’s Bend before this? Let me know in the Comments below.