Texas Memorial: A Tribute to Texan Valor at Vicksburg

The Texas Memorial stands proudly within the Vicksburg National Military Park, a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by Texan soldiers during the Civil War. Situated on Confederate Avenue at the Railroad Redoubt, the memorial marks tour stop 13 on the park's tour road. Dedicated on November 4, 1961, and completed in the winter of 1962-63, this monument serves as a tribute to the valor of the soldiers and an essential part of American history.The memorial's design, a Greek Doric peristyle, was conceived by Lundgren and Maurer, an architectural firm from Austin, Texas. Constructed from Texas red granite, the monument features eleven steps, each representing a state of the Confederacy, leading to the stylobate. A live yucca plant, native to Texas and the southwestern United States, adds a unique touch to the site.The centerpiece of the memorial is a bronze sculpture by Herring Coe of Beaumont, Texas, titled “Sealing the Breech”. This statue represents all Texas soldiers present during the May 22nd assaults, depicting a Texan soldier standing atop a 6-pounder cannon barrel, gazing towards the Iowa Monument. The monument also features inscriptions describing the historic events, an homage to a Texas soldier by John W. Thomason, Jr., and a list of the Texas units that served in the Vicksburg Campaign.From the Texas Memorial, visitors can gain a better understanding of the Confederate defense's viewshed toward the Union siege lines. The site offers a serene atmosphere for contemplation and remembrance, inviting visitors to reflect on the historical significance of Vicksburg and the role of Texan soldiers in the Civil War.