Sesquicentennial Program Series Commemorates the 150th Anniversary of the Union Assaults Against Vicksburg, May 19 and 22, 1863

Date: May 15, 2013
Contact: Tim Kavanaugh, 601-619-2908

On Saturday, May 18, 2013, Vicksburg National Military Park will present a special Sesquicentennial ranger program on the Union Assaults against Vicksburg, as well as the beginning of siege operations, from 7:00pm until 9:00pm at the park's Visitor Center on Clay Street. A question and answer session will follow the presentation. Doors will open at 6:30pm. This event is open to the public and will be free of charge.

There will also be ranger walks and programs at the actual locations of the assaults and heaviest fighting on the anniversary dates and times as follows:

· On Sunday, May 19, 2013 at 10:00 am, there will be a ranger walk and program given by ranger Ray Hamel at the Stockade Redan (Tour Road Stop #10), exploring the Confederate perspective of the attack.

· On Sunday, May 19, 2013 at 1:00 pm, there will be a ranger walk and program given by ranger Ray Hamel starting at Old Graveyard Road (Tour Road Stop #5), exploring the Union perspective of the attack.

· On Wednesday, May 22, 2013 at 10:00 am at Old Graveyard Road (Tour Road Stop #5), there will be a ranger walk and program on the "Forlorn Hope", led by ranger Kim Hyatt, a descendant of one of the original men of that volunteer unit.

· On Wednesday, May 22, 2013 at 10:00 am, starting at the park's Visitor Center, there will be a ranger walk led by ranger Nikki Anderson down the historic Baldwin's Ferry Road (present-day Confederate Ave. in the park) to the 2^nd Texas Lunette following the path of the Union troops and exploring and discussing the fighting in that sector and against that position.

· On Wednesday, May 22, 2013 at 10:00 am, starting at Battery DeGolyer (Tour Road Stop #1), there will be a ranger walk led by ranger Will Wilson tracing the Union troops' attack against the Confederate's fortification at the Great Redoubt, and discussing action here along the center of the lines.

· On Wednesday, May 22, 2013 at 1:00 pm at the Railroad Redoubt (Tour Road Stop #13), a ranger walk and program will be led by ranger Jake Koch, exploring the breach of the Confederate defenses by Union forces on the afternoon of May 22, 1863, and the bloody counterassault by Waul's Texas Legion which drove the Federal forces back and sealed the breach - thereby saving Vicksburg, at least for the time being.

· On Thursday, May 23, 2013 at 10:00 am and 2:00 pm ranger David Slay will lead a ranger walk and program starting at the Shirley House (Tour Road Stop #2) and proceeding to the 3^rd Louisiana Redan (Tour Road Stop #3) exploring and explaining the nature and application of siege operations as utilized here in Vicksburg.

All of the events are "rain or shine" unless dangerous weather strikes, and may include walking and hiking over steep and/or uneven terrain, so please dress accordingly - good comfortable walking/hiking shoes or boots, and rain gear or sunscreen as required. Also bring a canteen or water bottles with enough water to keep hydrated over an hour or so hike. Insure that any children accompanying you are able to do such a hike and have appropriate dress and ample water, as well. Please call the park and inquire about the degree of difficulty/exertion of any of the above programs that you would like to attend if you have any questions.

Admission to Vicksburg National Military Park is $8.00 per non-commercial vehicle, and all National Park and Vicksburg season passes will be honored. The park is open daily from 8:00 am until 5:00 pm.

For further information on this or other Sesquicentennial Programs check the park website at https://www.nps.gov/vick/planyourvisit/events.htm or calling 601-636-0583.

Come learn more about Civil War history and the Vicksburg Campaign during these historic Sesquicentennial observances and programs at Vicksburg National Military Park.