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USS Cairo Naval Museum: A Civil War Ironclad Time Capsule

Explore a Civil War ironclad: Discover the USS Cairo and thousands of artifacts recovered from the Yazoo River at Vicksburg National Military Park.

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The USS Cairo Naval Museum in Vicksburg National Military Park showcases the remains of the USS Cairo, a Union ironclad warship sunk in 1862 and recovered a century later. Visitors can explore the ship's preserved hull and thousands of artifacts recovered from the Yazoo River, offering a glimpse into Civil War naval life.

A brief summary to USS Cairo Naval Museum National Park

Local tips

  • Visit on weekdays to avoid larger crowds and enjoy a more intimate experience.
  • Take advantage of the guided tours for valuable insights and stories about the USS Cairo.
  • Explore the surrounding Vicksburg National Military Park for a complete historical experience.
  • Check the museum's website for special events or educational programs.
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Getting There

  • Driving

    The USS Cairo Naval Museum is located within Vicksburg National Military Park. From I-20, take exit 4B and follow Clay Street (US-80) west. The park entrance is about 0.25 miles on the left. Follow signs to the USS Cairo. Parking is free at the museum. Note that there may be an entrance fee to the park itself.

  • Walking

    From the Vicksburg National Military Park Visitor Center at 3201 Clay Street, head east on Clay Street. Turn left onto South Fort Hill Drive and continue until you see the entrance to the USS Cairo Naval Museum National Park on your right. The walk is approximately 20 minutes.

  • Public Transportation

    Public transportation options in Vicksburg are limited. Taxi or rideshare services like Uber or Lyft are available. Request a ride to the USS Cairo Naval Museum National Park, located at Vicksburg, MS 39183. Fares vary, but it should be a short trip from downtown Vicksburg.

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Discover more about USS Cairo Naval Museum National Park

The USS Cairo Naval Museum, located within Vicksburg National Military Park, presents a unique opportunity to explore a Civil War-era ironclad. The USS Cairo, commissioned in January 1862, was one of the first ironclad warships built for the Union Navy. Named after Cairo, Illinois, it was part of a fleet of gunboats designed to control the Mississippi River and split the Confederacy. The Cairo's career was short-lived. In December 1862, while clearing Confederate torpedoes (underwater mines) from the Yazoo River, it became the first warship in history to be sunk by an electrically detonated mine. The explosions tore holes in the hull, and the ship sank within 12 minutes, though without loss of life. The vessel remained lost to time for over a century, preserved by the Yazoo River's mud. Rediscovered in 1956, the raising of the Cairo began in 1964. The salvage operation was difficult, and the ship was brought up in pieces. Restoration efforts continued for years, and in 1972, Congress authorized the National Park Service to display and preserve the remnants. Today, visitors can view the partially reconstructed USS Cairo, housed in a special pavilion. The museum displays over 1,000 artifacts recovered from the ship, including weapons, personal items, and naval equipment. These artifacts offer a glimpse into the daily lives of the sailors who served aboard the ironclad. The museum also details the history of the ship, its sinking, and the salvage operation. Visitors can walk around the ship and observe the damage from the torpedo.

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