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Vicksburg National Military Park

Explore the site of the Civil War's pivotal Vicksburg Campaign, featuring monuments, trenches, and the USS Cairo gunboat.

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Commemorating one of the Civil War's most pivotal campaigns, Vicksburg National Military Park preserves the site of the 47-day siege of Vicksburg in 1863. The park features over 1,400 monuments and memorials, 20 miles of reconstructed trenches, the restored USS Cairo gunboat, and the Vicksburg National Cemetery. Visitors can explore the park through a self-guided driving tour, guided tours, or by walking and bicycling the scenic tour roads.

A brief summary to Vicksburg National Military Park

Local tips

  • Start your visit at the Visitor Center to get maps, brochures, and information from park rangers.
  • Consider hiring a Licensed Battlefield Guide for an in-depth and personalized tour of the park.
  • Download the Vicksburg Battle App for a GPS-enabled self-guided tour.
  • Wear comfortable shoes for walking and exploring the battlefield.
  • Check the park's website for alerts and closures before your visit.
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Getting There

  • Car

    Vicksburg National Military Park is located at 3201 Clay Street, Vicksburg, MS 39183. From I-20, take exit 4B and follow Clay Street (US-80) west for 0.25 miles to the park entrance. Parking is available at the Visitor Center. There are a limited number of RV parking spots available. The entrance fee is $20 per vehicle, $15 per motorcycle, or $10 per person. Passes can be purchased at the park entrance or online. Credit cards are accepted. An annual pass is available for $35. Note: North Union Avenue and Grant Circle are currently closed for repairs. The National Cemetery is closed to vehicles but open to pedestrians; park at the USS Cairo parking lot.

  • Public Transport

    Limited public transportation is available to the park. Check the City of Vicksburg website for more information. From Jackson, MS, you can take a bus to Vicksburg, then a taxi to the park. The bus from Hattiesburg to Jackson and then a taxi to the park is another option. Bus fare from Jackson to Vicksburg is approximately $20-$40. A taxi from the bus station to the park will cost approximately $15-$25. Park entrance fee is $10 per person if arriving by public transportation.

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Discover more about Vicksburg National Military Park

Vicksburg National Military Park stands as a powerful reminder of the American Civil War and the decisive Vicksburg Campaign. The park encompasses 1,800 acres and commemorates the campaign, siege, and defense of Vicksburg, a crucial turning point in the war. Confederate President Jefferson Davis called Vicksburg the “nailhead that holds the South's two halves together,” while President Abraham Lincoln recognized it as the “key” to victory for the North. The park offers a variety of ways to experience its rich history. The 16-mile tour road allows visitors to explore the battlefield at their own pace, with numerous stops to view monuments, memorials, and reconstructed trenches. Over 1,400 monuments and memorials dot the landscape, honoring the soldiers who fought on both sides of the conflict. A highlight of the park is the USS Cairo Gunboat and Museum, where visitors can see the restored Civil War-era vessel and artifacts recovered from its excavation. The park's visitor center offers exhibits and information about the campaign and siege. Ranger-led programs, typically held in the summer, provide in-depth knowledge of the events that unfolded here. Vicksburg National Cemetery, located within the park, is the final resting place for over 17,000 veterans. The park also offers walking and hiking trails, including the Al Scheller Hiking Trail, for those who wish to explore the grounds on foot. Visitors can enhance their experience by downloading the Vicksburg Battle App for a GPS-enabled tour or hiring a Licensed Battlefield Guide for a personalized tour.

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