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Fort Pemberton Memorial Park: A Civil War Defense

Explore the remnants of a Civil War fort at Fort Pemberton Memorial Park, a key site in the Vicksburg Campaign.

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Fort Pemberton Memorial Park in Greenwood, MS, marks the site of a Confederate fort built in 1863 during the Vicksburg Campaign. The park features historical markers and remnants of earthworks, commemorating the Yazoo Pass Expedition.

A brief summary to Fort Pemberton Memorial Park

Local tips

  • Read the historical markers to understand the fort's strategic importance during the Civil War.
  • Walk the grounds to see the remnants of the original earthworks.
  • Visit the nearby Museum of the Mississippi Delta to view Civil War artifacts.
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Getting There

  • Driving

    Fort Pemberton Memorial Park is located just west of Greenwood, MS, along US 82. From Greenwood, take US 82 West. The park is located on the north side of the highway. There is no fee to enter the park.

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Discover more about Fort Pemberton Memorial Park

Fort Pemberton Memorial Park commemorates a significant Civil War site located near Greenwood, Mississippi. During the Vicksburg Campaign in early 1863, Confederate forces constructed Fort Pemberton at the confluence of the Tallahatchie and Yalobusha Rivers (which merge to form the Yazoo River) to block Union forces advancing through the Yazoo Pass. The hastily built fort, made of cotton bales and earthworks, successfully repelled Union attacks, playing a crucial role in halting General Ulysses S. Grant's initial attempts to reach Vicksburg. The Confederate defense forced Grant to seek alternative routes to capture the strategic city. The steamship 'Star of the West' was sunk in the river channel to further obstruct the Union advance. Today, Fort Pemberton Memorial Park features historical markers and a monument describing the Yazoo Pass Expedition. Visitors can explore the remaining earthworks and reflect on the events that unfolded here. While a period cannon that was once on display has been removed, the park offers a glimpse into the area's Civil War history.

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