Vicksburg National Military Park

Mississippi

Vicksburg National Military Park is a significant historical site located in Vicksburg, Mississippi. The park commemorates the Siege of Vicksburg, a pivotal event during the American Civil War. The siege took place from May 18 to July 4, 1863, and it ultimately led to the Union Army, under the command of General Ulysses S. Grant, gaining control of the Mississippi River.

Key features of Vicksburg National Military Park include:

1. USS Cairo Museum: This museum displays the remains of the USS Cairo, an ironclad gunboat that played a role in the Vicksburg campaign. The Cairo was sunk in the Yazoo River in 1862 and later salvaged.
2. Vicksburg National Cemetery: The cemetery is the final resting place for over 17,000 Union soldiers who died during the Vicksburg campaign. It is one of the largest national cemeteries in the United States.
3. Monuments and Memorials: Throughout the park, there are numerous monuments and memorials erected by states and organizations to honor the soldiers who fought in the Vicksburg campaign.
4. Fortifications and Battlefield Sites: The park preserves the historic earthworks, trenches, and other fortifications used by both Union and Confederate forces during the siege.

Visitors to Vicksburg National Military Park can explore the history of the Civil War through exhibits, walking trails, and guided tours. The park serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made during this critical period in American history.