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"Vicksburg is the nail head that holds the South's two halves together...Vicksburg is the key"
Two statements, two Presidents, both aware of the importance of the city on the Mississippi River. President Davis knew it was vital to hold the city for the Confederacy to survive. President Lincoln wanted the key to gain control of the river and divide the South. Vicksburg National Military Park commemorates this campaign and its significance as a critical turning point of the Civil War. more...
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Battlefield Restoration Project
Following the preferred alternative of the park's Cultural Landscape Plan and Environmental Assessment approved in 2009, which incorporated public input received over its 2-year development and review period, battlefield restoration will begin on 80-90 acres within the park's boundaries. The project will involve removal of woodland cover and maintenance of the landscape in a more open and visually accessible state.
All work will occur on sites designated to be areas of key military engagements during the campaign for Vicksburg, allowing for enhanced interpretation of the 1863 siege. These key military engagement sites were identified through careful review of the military terrain that helped define the events of May 19 through July 4, 1863, and its ability to convey the full range of events and activities that occurred.
Restoration Project Updates
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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 USS 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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USS Cairo Gunboat and Museum
The USS 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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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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Last Updated: January 23, 2012 at 12:48 MST |
