About
Commemorating one of the Civil War’s pivotal campaigns, Vicksburg National Military Park is arguably Mississippi’s most renowned historical attraction. Confederate President Jefferson Davis himself referred to Vicksburg as the “nailhead that holds the South’s two halves together,” and there’s no better way to explore the significant role the city played throughout the Civil War than by discovering the park’s many attractions firsthand.
Details
What Will You Find at Vicksburg National Military Park?
Vicksburg National Military Park is jam-packed with attractions that serve as a testament to the location’s prominent place in American history. More than 1,400 memorial monuments, tablets and markers dot the 1,800-acre park to honor soldiers who served on both sides of the Civil War. The park also features an impressive 20 miles of trenches and earthworks that have been reconstructed to reflect days gone by.
The USS Cairo Gunboat and Museum are also located within the park, enabling visitors to view the restored vessel, along with Civil War-era artifacts recovered during the boat’s excavation.
Other key attractions found in Vicksburg National Military Park include:
The antebellum Shirley House and four other historic buildings
Nine historic fortifications
Vicksburg National Cemetery
141 cannons and carriages
15 historic bridges
Visitor center
Experiencing Vicksburg National Military Park
There are many ways to explore and experience the many attractions spread throughout Vicksburg National Military Park. A self-guided tour on the park’s 16-mile tour road is an excellent starting point, while a guided tour provided by a licensed battlefield guide is sure to lend color and perspective to any visit. Alternative tour options include a cell phone driving tour and an audio tour CD designed to accompany a driving tour. Or download the Vicksburg Battle App to your smartphone to take a GPS-enabled tour through all the historic spots on this battlefield.
Prefer to experience the park on foot? Consider trekking along the Al Scheller Hiking Trail. At 12.5 miles long, the trail features rugged terrain, breathtaking open fields, ravines and much more. It’s an excellent choice for a day full of fresh air or a travel group seeking to improve their hiking skills.
Plan Your Vicksburg Visit
For history buffs and casual vacationers alike, Vicksburg National Military Park serves as a one-of-a-kind window into the nation’s storied past. Plan your trip to the Vicksburg area by finding a nearby hotel or historic bed and breakfast today.
