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Vicksburg National Cemetery: A Hallowed Ground

Pay respects to Civil War heroes at Vicksburg National Cemetery, the largest Union cemetery in the U.S., within a serene and historic setting.

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Vicksburg National Cemetery, established in 1866, is the final resting place for over 17,000 Union soldiers, marking it as the largest Union cemetery in the United States. Located within the Vicksburg National Military Park, it serves as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made during the Civil War.

A brief summary to Vicksburg National Cemetery

  • Vicksburg, Mississippi, 39183, US

Local tips

  • Wear comfortable shoes, as the cemetery grounds are extensive and best explored on foot.
  • Check the National Park Service website for alerts and closures before your visit.
  • Consider visiting on Memorial Day for special remembrance events.
  • Park at the USS Cairo parking lot and walk into the cemetery, as vehicle access may be restricted.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From the USS Cairo Museum, the entrance to Vicksburg National Cemetery is a short walk. Follow the paved path from the museum parking area towards the cemetery gates. The walk is less than a quarter of a mile and provides immediate access to the cemetery's loop road.

  • Public Transport

    The Vicksburg Area Transit System (N-Route) provides public transportation in Vicksburg. From various points in the city, take the N-Route bus to a stop near the Vicksburg National Military Park. From there, it's a walk or short taxi ride to the USS Cairo Museum and the cemetery. A single bus fare is $2.

  • Taxi

    Taxis and ride-sharing services are available in Vicksburg. From downtown Vicksburg, a taxi ride to the Vicksburg National Cemetery will cost approximately $10-$15, depending on the distance and service. The cemetery is located near the USS Cairo Museum, so specify that as your destination.

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Discover more about Vicksburg National Cemetery

Established in 1866, Vicksburg National Cemetery is a solemn and historically significant site within the Vicksburg National Military Park. The cemetery was created to provide a final resting place for Union soldiers who died during the Civil War, particularly those who perished in the Vicksburg Campaign. The cemetery spans 116 acres and holds the remains of over 17,000 Union soldiers, making it the largest Union cemetery in the nation. A significant portion of those interred—almost 13,000—are unknown, their identities lost to time. These unknowns are commemorated with small, square blocks etched only with a grave number, while known soldiers are marked with rounded, upright headstones. Vicksburg National Cemetery is also the final resting place for a number of United States Colored Troops who served with distinction in the Civil War. The cemetery's design reflects formal Victorian aesthetics, featuring tree-lined roads, an entrance gate, and a terraced landscape. In addition to Civil War soldiers, the cemetery also contains the remains of veterans from the Mexican-American War, the Spanish-American War, World Wars I and II, and the Korean War. Burials ceased here in 1961, except for those with pre-reserved spaces. The cemetery is administered by the Vicksburg National Military Park and is located near the USS Cairo Museum.

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