Vicksburg National Military Park

Vicksburg National Military Park preserves the Civil War Battle of Vicksburg that ended with the 47 day siege of Vicksburg. The 116 acre Vicksburg National Cemetery is located within the park. There is also a unit of the park that preserves a portion of Grant’s Canal, an attempt near Delta, LA started in June 1862 to allow ships to bypass the guns of Vicksburg and avoid the battle.

Where is Vicksburg, Missississippi?
Vicksburg is a historic city located in the state of Mississippi, in the southern United States. It sits right on the eastern bank of the Mississippi River and is situated at the confluence of the Mississippi and Yazoo Rivers. Vicksburg is perhaps best known for its significant role in the American Civil War, particularly the Siege of Vicksburg, which was a pivotal Union victory.

What happened at Vicksburg in the Civil War?
The Siege of Vicksburg was a crucial Union victory during the American Civil War. Here’s a brief overview of what happened:

Strategic Importance: Vicksburg, Mississippi, was a key Confederate stronghold on the Mississippi River. Its location allowed the Confederacy to control river traffic and split the Union in two2.

Union Campaign: In the spring of 1863, Union General Ulysses S. Grant launched a campaign to capture Vicksburg. His forces marched down the west bank of the Mississippi River and crossed over into Mississippi1.

Siege: After several battles, including the Battle of Champion Hill and the Battle of Big Black River, Grant’s forces surrounded Vicksburg on May 18, 1863. They began a 47-day siege, digging trenches and bombarding the city1.

Surrender: The Confederate defenders, led by General John C. Pemberton, were low on supplies and morale. On July 4, 1863, Pemberton surrendered to Grant2. This surrender, along with the Union victory at Gettysburg the day before, marked a turning point in the war.

Impact: The fall of Vicksburg gave the Union control of the Mississippi River, effectively splitting the Confederacy in two and cutting off vital supply lines.

The Siege of Vicksburg is remembered as one of the most significant Union victories in the Civil War. It showcased Grant’s military prowess and played a key role in the Union’s overall strategy.

How long does it take to go through Vicksburg National Military Park?
Visiting Vicksburg National Military Park can be a full-day experience, but it depends on how much time you want to spend exploring. Here’s a general idea:

Self-Guided Tour: If you’re doing a self-guided tour, it typically takes about 2 to 3 hours to drive through the park and stop at the main points of interest. The park brochure and map can help you navigate the 22 designated stops1.

Guided Tour: If you opt for a guided tour, it usually lasts around 1.5 to 2 hours. These tours are led by knowledgeable guides who provide in-depth insights and answer questions.

Visitor Center: It’s a good idea to start your visit at the Visitor Center, where you can watch a short film and pick up a park brochure. This might add another 20 to 30 minutes to your visit.

Additional Activities: If you want to explore more thoroughly, including visiting the Illinois Memorial, Shirley House, and other memorials, you might want to allocate 4 to 5 hours or more.