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USS Cairo Gunboat and Museum: A Civil War Time Capsule

Explore a Civil War ironclad and discover the stories of the sailors who served aboard the USS Cairo in Vicksburg National Military Park.

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Explore the meticulously preserved remains of the USS Cairo, a Civil War-era ironclad, and its accompanying museum showcasing over 1,000 artifacts recovered from the vessel. Located within Vicksburg National Military Park, this unique site offers a poignant glimpse into naval life during the American Civil War.

A brief summary to USS Cairo Gunboat and Museum

Local tips

  • Visit early in the day to avoid crowds and have a more intimate experience with the exhibits.
  • Check the museum's website for special events or guided tours to enhance your visit.
  • Combine your visit with a tour of the Vicksburg National Military Park for a full day of historical exploration.
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Getting There

  • Car

    If driving within Vicksburg National Military Park, follow Confederate Avenue. From the Visitor Center, turn right onto Clay Street, then left onto Confederate Avenue. The museum is about 1 mile south of the Visitor Center on the left. Parking is free. Note that there is an entrance fee to the park itself : $20 per vehicle, valid for 7 days.

  • Walking

    From the Vicksburg National Military Park Visitor Center, walk south on Confederate Avenue. The museum is approximately 1.5 miles away, about a 30-minute walk. Enjoy the park views along the way.

  • Public Transport

    Public transportation options are limited in Vicksburg. Consider using a taxi or rideshare service from downtown Vicksburg or the Vicksburg Transit Center. Request a ride to 3201 Clay St, Vicksburg, MS 39183. Expect fares to vary based on distance.

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Discover more about USS Cairo Gunboat and Museum

The USS Cairo Gunboat and Museum, located within Vicksburg National Military Park, offers a unique and immersive experience into Civil War naval history. The museum is dedicated to preserving and interpreting the story of the USS Cairo, an ironclad warship commissioned in January 1862. Named after Cairo, Illinois, it was one of seven City-class gunboats designed to help Union forces gain control of the Mississippi River. The Cairo's career was cut short when it was sunk on December 12, 1862, after striking two underwater mines in the Yazoo River, becoming the first armored warship sunk by an electrically detonated torpedo. The ship rested on the river bottom for over a century until its rediscovery in 1956. In 1964, efforts to salvage the gunboat began. Although the initial attempt to raise the Cairo intact failed, significant portions of the ship and its contents were recovered. Today, visitors can explore the partially reconstructed USS Cairo, housed in a special pavilion, and observe the damage from the torpedo on its port side. The accompanying museum displays over 1,000 artifacts recovered from the ship, offering a glimpse into the lives of the officers and crew. Exhibits include weaponry, medical supplies, personal effects, and equipment used aboard the gunboat. These items, preserved by the Yazoo River mud, provide a tangible connection to the past. The museum is located adjacent to the Vicksburg National Cemetery and is accessible via the battlefield tour road.

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