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Wexford Lodge (Shirley House): A Civil War Landmark

Explore Wexford Lodge (Shirley House) in Vicksburg, MS: A window into Civil War history and the only wartime structure still standing in the park.

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Wexford Lodge, also known as the Shirley House, is a historic home within Vicksburg National Military Park. Built in the late 1830s, it's the only wartime structure still standing in the park, offering a glimpse into the lives of civilians during the tumultuous Siege of Vicksburg.

A brief summary to Wexford Lodge (Shirley House)

Local tips

  • Check the schedule for guided tours to get the most informative experience.
  • Visit during the spring or fall for pleasant weather and beautiful scenery.
  • Allow at least an hour to fully explore the house and grounds.
  • Take time to read the plaques and displays for a deeper understanding of the site's history.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From the Vicksburg National Military Park Visitor Center, head southeast on Confederate Avenue. Walk for approximately half a mile until you reach the intersection with Union Avenue. Turn left onto Union Avenue and continue for about a quarter of a mile. You'll see a sign for Wexford Lodge (Shirley House) on your right within the park.

  • Public Transport

    From the Vicksburg Convention Center, take the Vicksburg Transit bus towards Vicksburg National Military Park. Get off at the stop nearest to the park entrance. From there, walk down Confederate Avenue to reach the lodge, approximately a 10-minute walk. A single bus fare costs around $1.25.

  • Car

    From the Vicksburg National Military Park Visitor Center, head northwest on Confederate Ave. After approximately 1 mile, turn left onto Halls Ferry Rd. Continue on Halls Ferry Rd for about 1.5 miles and then turn right onto the park entrance road. Follow the signs for Shirley House/Wexford Lodge, which will be on your left after about 0.5 miles. Parking is available on-site. Park entrance fee is $10 per person, $15 per motorcycle, or $20 per vehicle.

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Discover more about Wexford Lodge (Shirley House)

Wexford Lodge, or Shirley House, stands as a poignant reminder of Vicksburg's Civil War history. Constructed in the late 1830s, the house was originally named Wexford Lodge by Nicholas Gray, after his native County Wexford in Ireland. James and Adeline Shirley later acquired it in 1851 and lived there with their children. Despite being Northerners, the Shirleys remained in Vicksburg throughout the war. During the siege, the family sought refuge in a cave and a slave cabin to escape the relentless bombardment. The house itself sustained significant damage and was later used as a smallpox hospital by the Union army. Abandoned in 1864, the house was sold to the Federal Government in 1900 with the stipulation that the Shirleys be buried on the property. Today, visitors can explore the restored home and learn about the Shirley family's experiences and the building's role during the Civil War. The house offers exhibits and artifacts that narrate the story of the region, enhancing your understanding of the Civil War's impact on this pivotal location.

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