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Illinois Memorial: A Pantheon in Vicksburg

Honoring Illinois soldiers at Vicksburg National Military Park, this Pantheon-inspired memorial offers a serene space for reflection and remembrance.

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The Illinois Memorial, located in Vicksburg National Military Park, honors the 36,325 Illinois soldiers who participated in the Vicksburg Campaign during the American Civil War. Modelled after the Roman Pantheon, it stands as the largest memorial in the park.

A brief summary to Illinois Memorial

Local tips

  • Take time to walk around the memorial's grounds to fully appreciate the views and the surrounding battlefield landscape.
  • Visit the memorial during the early morning or late afternoon for a quieter, more reflective experience.
  • Download the Vicksburg Battle App for a guided tour of the park and historical insights.
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Getting There

  • Driving

    The Illinois Memorial is located within Vicksburg National Military Park. From I-20, take exit 4B and follow Clay Street (US-80) west for 0.25 miles to the park entrance. Once inside the park, follow the tour road to stop #2, where the memorial is located. A park entrance fee of $20 per vehicle is required. Parking is available near the memorial.

  • Walking

    From the Vicksburg National Cemetery or the USS Cairo Gunboat and Museum, follow the designated walking paths within the park towards Union Avenue. The Illinois Memorial is located 1.8 miles from the park entrance on Union Avenue. Be prepared for a moderate walk with some inclines. There are no additional costs for walking within the park beyond the park entrance fee if applicable.

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Discover more about Illinois Memorial

Located within the Vicksburg National Military Park, the Illinois Memorial stands as a poignant tribute to the Union soldiers from Illinois who fought in the pivotal Vicksburg Campaign. Dedicated in 1906, the memorial commemorates the 36,325 Illinois soldiers who participated in the siege of Vicksburg, a major turning point in the American Civil War. Designed by architect William Le Baron Jenney and sculptor Charles Mulligan, the memorial is modeled after the Roman Pantheon. Constructed of Georgia white marble on a granite base, it rises to a height of 62 feet, making it the largest memorial in the park. The memorial features 47 granite steps leading to the entrance, each step representing a day of the 47-day Siege of Vicksburg. The structure includes a portico with six Ionic columns and a bronze bald eagle sculpted by Frederick C. Hibbard. Inside, visitors can view 60 bronze tablets lining the walls, each inscribed with the names of the Illinois soldiers who served in the campaign. Like the Pantheon, the memorial features an open oculus at the top of its dome. The Illinois Memorial not only serves as a visual landmark but also provides a space for reflection on the sacrifices made during the Civil War. Its design and serene ambiance offer visitors a chance to connect with the history and valor of those who fought in the Vicksburg Campaign.

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