Vicksburg is home to many military sites and attractions that veterans might enjoy. As a key player during the American Civil War, the city is now filled with countless historical artifacts, memorials and museums just waiting to be explored. Retired and active duty service members alike can get a first-hand look at the lives of past soldiers and how they helped shape America’s future. If you’re only in the area for a day or two, Visit Vicksburg can help you narrow down the long list to a few select places that are definitely worth checking out.
Vicksburg National Military Park
The Vicksburg National Military Park is probably the epicenter of the city’s history. It’s here where the Confederate and Union forces battled for victory and where many surviving structures and artifacts can still be seen. While touring the battlefield, you can see authentic artillery, the restored Shirley House, the Vicksburg National Cemetery where 17,000 Union soldiers are buried and much more. Living history reenactments and museums, including the USS Cairo Gunboat and Museum, help you visualize some of the events that took place here. Today, the park actually serves as a teaching resource for many active military men and women to consider the lessons learned from these Civil War battles. For visiting veterans, the park offers a great opportunity to expand your knowledge and pay tribute to your fellow comrades in arms.
The Vicksburg Historic District
Vicksburg’s Historic District offers a great sampling of some of its military history. It includes dozens of historical buildings, some of which date all the way back to 1830, plus sites, foundations and monuments. For example, the Memorial Rose Garden features historic and contemporary monuments to soldiers killed in the Civil War, World Wars I and II, Korea and Vietnam. So while you do some shopping and sight-seeing around town, take an opportunity to bask in the historical architecture and various odes to service members. If this is something you might be interested in, we recommend a Visit Vicksburg walking tour.
Fun for Military Members
Vicksburg has a lot of modern-day attractions for veterans and active military members, too. If you’re looking for a way to relax and have fun, visit one of the four casinos. They frequently support veterans with complementary meals and discounts. The Riverwalk Casino, for example, provides visiting veterans with an Honors Card, which entitles you to special discounts. There’s also many restaurants and stores around town that offer discounts, as well, to help make your trip even more memorable. if you’re into Blues music, we strongly recommend you head to LD’s Kitchen for some delicious soul food. Every second and fourth Tuesday, the veteran-heavy house band from the Central Mississippi Blues Society performs live Blues you won’t want to miss.
Vicksburg Supports Its Troops
See something on this list you might like to do while you’re here? Remember, this is just some of the many veterans attractions in Vicksburg. From General John C. Pemberton’s Headquarters to the Southern Heritage Air Museum, there’s still a lot more to discover. For more information about Vicksburg’s military involvement or about the attractions and different things to do around town, browse Visit Vicksburg online or contact us today.
