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Welcome to the Vicksburg National Military Park website.
The park commemorates the campaign, siege, and defense of Vicksburg. Surrender on July 4, 1863, coupled with the fall of Port Hudson, LA, split the South, giving control of the Mississippi River to the North. Over 1,340 monuments, a restored Union gunboat, and National Cemetery mark the 16-mile tour road.
National Public Lands Day
Fee-Free Days
♦NEW♦ — Park Tours Via Cell Phone
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Virtual Museum Exhibit
This exhibit highlights one of the Civil War’s pivotal struggles, the battle for control of the Mississippi. It features life in Vicksburg, Mississippi, during the devastating 47-day siege of 1863. It depicts hardships of civilians and soldiers in a besieged city. The exhibit gives richly illustrated insights into life aboard the U.S.S. Cairo, a Union ironclad gunboat in the "Brown Water" navy. On December 12, 1862, in the Yazoo River north of Vicksburg, Cairo struck two underwater torpedoes and sank in 12 minutes, with no loss of life. Preserved by mud and silt, the Cairo sat on the bottom of the river for 102 years. She was raised in 1964 and was later restored along with many of the objects that were found aboard. The recovered objects give a unique window into daily life and leisure time of Union officers and sailors during the Civil War.
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U.S.S. Cairo Gunboat and Museum
The U.S.S. Cairo (pronounced Care-o), a Union ironclad commanded by Thomas O. Selfridge, Jr., was named for Cairo, Illinois, and commissioned on January 16, 1862. On December 12, 1862, in the Yazoo River north of Vicksburg, Cairo struck two underwater torpedoes (today called mines) sinking in less than 12 minutes with no loss of life. Preserved by mud and silt, Cairo sat on the bottom of the Yazoo River for 102 years. It was raised in 1964, and later restored. The ironclad is now on display within Vicksburg National Military Park.
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Vicksburg National Cemetery
Vicksburg National Cemetery encompasses 117.85 acres and includes over 18,000 interments. Graves of Civil War soldiers total 17,077, of which 12,909 are unknown. An additional 1,280 graves are occupied by soldiers who participated in the Indian Wars, Spanish-American War, World Wars I and II, and the Korean Conflict.
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Commanders and Troops
Patriotism during the Civil War was deep-rooted, and over 600,000 enlisted men and officers would die in pursuit of two opposing dreams. These fighting men, both North and South, made the best of life on the battlefield and in camp, amid the hardship and tedium of soldiering.
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Write to
Vicksburg National Military Park
3201 Clay Street
Vicksburg, Mississippi 39183
E-mail Us
Phone
Visitor Information
(601) 636-0583
Fax
(601) 636-9497
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Climate
Sunny, with humid rainy periods throughout the year. Sudden and severe thunderstorms are common. Mild winters. Summers hot and humid. Wear comfortable sportswear in season, with walking or hiking shoes recommended.
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Did You Know?
Confederate President Jefferson Davis made his antebellum home in Warren County, just south of Vicksburg.
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Last Updated: August 25, 2009 at 16:36 EST |
