• View from Battery DeGolyer

    Vicksburg

    National Military Park Mississippi

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  • Grand Illumination Event Information

    A Grand Illumination will be held on July 3 from 6-10 pm throughout VNMP. Tour road access is at the Clay St. entrance only and limited to motor vehicles. No pedestrians or bicyclists will be allowed during these hours. Click 'More' for further details. More »

Paddlewheel

USS Cairo Paddlewheel

USS Cairo Paddlewheel

NPS Photo

USS Cairo's recessed paddlewheel is similar to the well-known stern wheel. It was placed within the raceway between the casemates to protect the wheel from enemy cannon fire. This paddlewheel propelled the gunboat at a speed of 6 knots (about 7 mph). The buckets, or paddles, were probably made of uniform-width wood and could easily be replaced when damaged.

Did You Know?

Did You Know?

Confederate President Jefferson Davis made his antebellum home in Warren County, just south of Vicksburg.