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Vicksburg National Battlefield: A Civil War Turning Point

Explore the site of a pivotal Civil War battle, siege, and campaign at Vicksburg National Battlefield.

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Vicksburg National Battlefield marks the site of a crucial Civil War battle, siege, and campaign that ultimately gave the Union control of the Mississippi River. Visitors can explore preserved trenches, monuments, and the USS Cairo gunboat, gaining insight into this pivotal moment in American history.

A brief summary to Vicksburg National Battlefield

  • I20 Frontage Rd, Vicksburg, Mississippi, 39183, US
  • Visit website

Local tips

  • Start your visit at the Visitor Center to get an overview of the park and the Vicksburg Campaign.
  • Drive the 16-mile tour road to explore the battlefield's key sites and monuments.
  • Visit the USS Cairo Museum to see the restored Civil War gunboat.
  • Download the Vicksburg Battle App for a guided tour experience.
  • Check the park's website for ranger-led programs and living history demonstrations.
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Getting There

  • Car

    Vicksburg National Military Park is accessible by car via Interstate 20. 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, a 16-mile tour road provides access to the battlefield's various sites and monuments. Entrance fees are required to enter the park. A standard pass costs $20 per vehicle, $15 per motorcycle, or $10 per person. An annual park pass is available for $35. The park accepts cashless payments only. The tour road is open to vehicles from 8:30 am to 5 pm, with the last entry at 4:40 pm. Parking is available at the Visitor Center, the USS Cairo Museum, and at various points along the tour road. However, the National Cemetery is currently closed to vehicular traffic due to weather-related incidents; visitors can park at the USS Cairo parking lot and walk into the cemetery.

  • Public Transport

    Limited public transportation options are available to Vicksburg National Military Park. Amtrak provides daily train service to Vicksburg. From the Amtrak station, taxis or ride-sharing services can be used to reach the park, approximately a 10-minute drive. Taxi fares from the Amtrak station to the park typically range from $10 to $15. Greyhound buses serve Vicksburg, with a pickup point at Corner Market Shopping Center. From the bus stop, taxis or ride-sharing services can be used to reach the park, approximately a 15-minute drive. Taxi fares from the bus stop to the park typically range from $15 to $20.

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Discover more about Vicksburg National Battlefield

Vicksburg National Battlefield stands as a powerful reminder of the American Civil War, commemorating the campaign, siege, and defense of Vicksburg, Mississippi, from March 29 to July 4, 1863. This decisive battle, waged between Union forces under Major General Ulysses S. Grant and Confederate troops led by Lieutenant General John C. Pemberton, proved crucial to the Union victory, granting them control of the Mississippi River and dividing the Confederacy. The park encompasses 1,728 acres, featuring preserved Union and Confederate trenches, historic monuments, and markers. A 16-mile auto tour route provides access to key sites and monuments, allowing visitors to explore the battlefield at their own pace. The Vicksburg National Cemetery, established in 1866, is the final resting place for over 17,000 Civil War soldiers, with almost 13,000 unknown. The USS Cairo Gunboat and Museum showcases the restored ironclad ship, offering a glimpse into naval warfare during the Civil War. Visitors can explore the ship's original armor, cannons, pilothouse, and steam engines. The Visitor Center features exhibits, artifacts, and a film, providing historical context and insights into the Vicksburg Campaign. The battlefield's landscape is unique due to the tactics and terrain used during the siege, offering a different perspective compared to other Civil War parks. Over 1,350 monuments and markers dot the landscape, honoring the veterans of the siege.

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