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Vicksburg National Military Park
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Vicksburg National Military Park commemorates the campaign, siege and defense of Vicksburg. Vicksburg was a fortress located on high ground guarding the Mississippi River. Its surrender on July 4, 1863, coupled with the fall of Port Hudson, Louisiana, divided the South, and gave the North undisputed control of the Mississippi River. The Vicksburg battlefield includes 1,330 monuments and markers, a 16 mile tour road, a restored Union gunboat, and a National Cemetery.
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The Basics |
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| Hours: |
Open daily, except December 25 (Federal Holiday) Beginning in 2007, the Visitor Center and U. S. S. Cairo Museum will be closed New Years Day and Thanksgiving Day. Visitor Center: 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; Cairo Museum: October to March: 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. April to September: 9:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. |
| Address: |
3201 Clay Street
Vicksburg, MS 39183
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| Phone: |
601-636-0583 |
| Fax: |
601-636-9497 |
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Directions |
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From the East
Take Interstate 20 west to Vicksburg, Mississippi. Use exit ramp 4B. Follow Clay Street (US-80) west 1/4 mile to the park entrance. From the North
Take Interstate 55 south to Jackson, Mississippi. (To save time you can use the Interstate 220 bypass on the west side of Jackson). Take Interstate 20 west to Vicksburg, approximately 40 miles. Use exit ramp 4B. Follow Clay Street (US-80) west 1/4 mile to the park entrance. From the South
Take Interstate 55 or US Highway 49 to Jackson, Mississippi. Take Interstate 20 west to Vicksburg, Mississippi, approximately 42 miles. Use exit ramp 4B. Follow Clay Street (US-80) west 1/4 mile to the park entrance. From the West
Take Interstate 20 east to Vicksburg, Mississippi. Use exit ramp 4B. Follow Clay Street (US-80) west 1/4 mile to the park entrance.
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Climate |
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Sunny, with humid rainy periods throughout the year. Sudden and severe thunderstorms are common. Mild winters. Summers hot and humid. Wear comfortable sportswear in season, with walking or hiking shoes recommended.
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Link to our Vicksburg Weather coverage for more information.
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Fees |
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Things To Do |
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The Visitor Center offers general and historical information services, orientation film, exhibits on the various topics of the Civil War period, bookstore, pay telephone, rest room facilities and regional (city/county) information. The USS Cairo Museum and Gunboat offers general and historical information services, exhibits on naval operations of the Civil War, bookstore, pay telephone, restroom facilities and picnic area. Artifacts on display are a time capsule of life aboard a ironclad gunboat. Sailors' personal possessions, cookware, medical supplies, and weaponry are featured. A 6 minute video explains the sinking, discovery and salvage operations. Three External Units include the riverfront batteries at Navy Circle, South Fort and Louisiana Circle. Across the Mississippi River is the last remaining section of Grant's Canal, where Union forces attempted to bypass Vicksburg by digging a channel through Desoto Point. Facilities include an historic state highway marker, bronze tablet and wayside exhibits on Williams Canal, Grant's Canal and Black Troops at Milliken's Bend. A sixteen mile Tour Road parallels Union and Confederate siege lines, with three interconnecting roadways, fifteen Tour Stops, wayside markers and exhibits, short Spur Trails to points of interest, one primitive Twelve Mile Scout Compass Trail, and 7 and 14 mile hikes that follow the park tour road.
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