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Vicksburg National Military Park: A Turning Point in the Civil War

Explore the site of a crucial Civil War battle, with reconstructed trenches, historic monuments, and the USS Cairo gunboat.

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Vicksburg National Military Park commemorates the pivotal Vicksburg Campaign of the American Civil War, including the 47-day siege that led to the city's surrender on July 4, 1863. The park features reconstructed trenches, monuments, the USS Cairo gunboat, and the Vicksburg National Cemetery.

A brief summary to Vicksburg National Military Park

  • Vicksburg, Mississippi, US

Local tips

  • Start your visit at the Visitor Center to get an overview of the park's history and plan your tour.
  • Consider taking a guided tour with a licensed battlefield guide for in-depth insights.
  • Wear comfortable shoes, as you'll be doing a lot of walking.
  • Bring water and snacks, especially during the warmer months.
  • Check the National Park Service website for alerts and closures before your visit.
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Getting There

  • Car

    Vicksburg National Military Park is located off I-20. From the east or west, take Exit 4B and follow Clay Street (US-80) west a quarter mile to the park entrance. From the north, take I-55 south to Jackson, then I-20 west to Vicksburg. The entrance fee is $20 per vehicle, valid for 7 days. Alternatively, an annual pass can be purchased for $35. The park accepts credit cards only. Parking is available at the Visitor Center and throughout the park.

  • Public Transport

    Limited public transportation options are available to the park. Check the City of Vicksburg website for local bus routes. From Jackson, Mississippi, you can take a taxi to the park, which costs approximately $170-$210 and takes about 53 minutes.

  • Walking

    Once inside the park, walking is a great way to explore the battlefield. However, note that the Vicksburg National Cemetery is currently closed to vehicular traffic, but open to pedestrians. Visitors can park in the USS Cairo parking lot and walk into the cemetery.

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Discover more about Vicksburg National Military Park

Vicksburg National Military Park stands as a powerful reminder of the American Civil War, specifically the campaign, siege, and defense of Vicksburg, Mississippi. Established in 1899, the park encompasses over 1,800 acres and preserves the site of a crucial turning point in the war. Confederate President Jefferson Davis called Vicksburg the “nailhead that holds the South's two halves together,” highlighting its strategic importance. President Lincoln recognized that Vicksburg was the key to a Union victory. The park's main feature is the 16-mile tour road that winds through the battlefield, allowing visitors to explore the landscape where Union and Confederate forces clashed. Along the way, you'll encounter over 1,400 monuments, markers, and tablets honoring the soldiers who fought here. Reconstructed trenches and earthworks evoke the conditions of the 47-day siege. Other key attractions include the USS Cairo Gunboat and Museum, where you can view the restored vessel and artifacts recovered from it. The Vicksburg National Cemetery, the final resting place for over 17,000 Union soldiers and sailors, is also located within the park. The park also manages Grant's Canal and Pemberton's Headquarters. Today, Vicksburg National Military Park serves as a place of remembrance, education, and preservation, ensuring that the sacrifices made here are never forgotten.

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