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African American Monument: A Tribute to Service

Honoring the legacy of African American soldiers in the Civil War at Vicksburg National Military Park.

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Located within the Vicksburg National Military Park, the African American Monument honors the over 178,000 African American soldiers who served in the Union Army during the Civil War. The monument depicts the sacrifices and contributions of these soldiers, many of whom were formerly enslaved, in the fight for freedom and equality.

A brief summary to African American Monument

  • Vicksburg, Mississippi, 39183, US

Local tips

  • Visit during the early morning or late afternoon for the best lighting for photography.
  • Take time to read the inscriptions to fully appreciate the stories depicted in the monument.
  • Combine your visit with a stroll through the surrounding park to see other historical monuments and exhibits.
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Getting There

  • Driving

    If you are driving within Vicksburg National Military Park, follow the park's main road, Vicksburg National Military Park Road, and look for signs directing you to the African American Monument. The monument is located on the south side of Grant Avenue between milepost 4.3 and 4.4. Parking is available near the monument at no cost. Note that North Union Avenue and Grant Circle are currently closed to traffic for repairs.

  • Public Transport

    Vicksburg has a public transportation system called the N-Route. Check the local transit schedule for routes and times to the Vicksburg National Military Park. From the nearest bus stop, it is approximately a 1-mile walk to reach the African American Monument. A single ride fare is $0.75 for those aged 60 and above.

  • Taxi/Rideshare

    Taxi and rideshare services like Uber and Lyft are available in Vicksburg. Use the app to request a ride to the African American Monument, located at Vicksburg, MS 39183. The cost of a typical ride within the park area is around $10-$15. Taxi rates start at $1.50 per mile.

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Discover more about African American Monument

The African American Monument, erected in 2004, stands as a powerful tribute to the African American soldiers who served in the Union Army during the Civil War. Situated on Grant Avenue within the Vicksburg National Military Park, the monument commemorates the legacy of these soldiers, many of whom were formerly enslaved, and their vital role in the Vicksburg Campaign and the broader struggle for liberation. The monument features three bronze figures on a base of black African granite. The sculpture depicts two black Union soldiers and a civilian field hand. One soldier and the field hand are supporting a wounded soldier, symbolizing the sacrifices made by black soldiers on the battlefield. The field hand looks back at a past of slavery, while the soldier gazes toward a future of freedom. The monument serves as a reminder of the significant contributions of African Americans during the Civil War, with over 178,000 black soldiers serving in the Union Army and another 18,000 in the Navy. Their participation had far-reaching effects, influencing the course of the war and the fight for civil rights. The monument stands as one of the largest tributes to African American soldiers on any Civil War battlefield within the National Park Service.

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