USS Cairo Ironclad and Museum

USS Cairo

NPS Photo/ C. Fields

Quick Facts

Location:

Vicksburg National Military Park

Significance:

The U.S.S.Cairo is one of only three Civil War-era gunboats that still exist

Designation:

National Park, National Register of Historic Places, National Historic Mechanical Engineering Landmark

Amenities

19 listed

Accessible Sites, Automated Entrance, Automated External Defibrillator (AED), First Aid Kit Available, Gifts/Souvenirs/Books, Historical/Interpretive Information/Exhibits, Information, Information - Maps Available, Information - Ranger/Staff Member Present, Junior Ranger Activity, Junior Ranger Booklet Available, Parking - Auto, Parking - Boat Trailer, Parking - Bus/RV, Picnic Table, Restroom, Restroom - Accessible, Water - Drinking/Potable, Wheelchair Accessible

Hours of Operation

USS Cairo Ironclad Outdoor Exhibit Area 
Open Daily 8:30 am- 4:30 pm

USS Cairo Museum (Indoor Exhibits)
Open Wednesday-Sunday (Closed Monday-Tuesday)
8:30 am - 4:30 pm

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The USS Cairo was the first of seven City Class Ironclads commissioned by the United States War Department in 1862. The Cairo spent the summer and fall of 1862 patrolling the Mississippi River but on, December 12, while clearing mines from the river near Haines Bluff, Mississippi, the Cairo struck an underwater maine detonated from shore. It sank in only 12 minutes but with no loss of life. Because of this, the USS Cairo became the first armored warship in history sunk by an electrically-detonated mine. 

The wreck of the Cairo was rediscovered in the late 1950s and was removed from the Yazoo River by 1966. In 1972, the National Park Service accepted the title to the Cairo and oversaw its transport to Vicksburg National Military Park in 1977. 

Today, visitors are welcome to explore this historic ironclad and step foot onto it. Located next to this outdoor exhibit, is the indoor museum which features several hundreds of artifacts that were recovered from the ironclad. These artifacts help tell the story of what life was like aboard the USS Cairo and how the crew survived out on the river. Also available inside are public restrooms, a park bookstore, and drinking fountains. 

Learn more about history of the USS Cairo