USS Cairo Museum
Overview
About
Open Thursday - Sunday 8:30 am - 4:30 pm Named in honor of the Illinois city, the USS Cairo was commissioned in January of 1862. This powerful, 13-gun ironclad vessel was one of a team of similar gunboats that were designed to help Union forces overcome Confederate opposition during the American Civil War. But the Cairo simply wasn’t destined to succeed in its mission – after less than a year in action, the boat was sunk by an electronically detonated torpedo just seven miles north of Vicksburg, Mississippi in the Yazoo River.Details
And that’s where the Cairo remained until 1964, when it was salvaged. The initial goal to lift the boat from the river without causing further damage wasn’t fulfilled, but the boat was eventually retrieved as best as possible before being reconstructed, restored and moved to the Vicksburg National Military Park. WHAT'S INSIDE THE USS CAIRO GUNSHIP AND MUSEUM? This popular Vicksburg attraction comprises two primary sections – the museum and the gunboat itself. Inside the museum, visitors can view the various items recovered with the boat, including: • Items used aboard the gunboat, including a safety lamp, a fire hose nozzle and much more • Medical supplies, such as ear syringes, medicine bottles and tourniquet clamps • Mess utensils, including plates, condiment bottles and a jug used for molasses • Personal effects, ranging from shaving gear to leather shoes • Pulleys, blacksmith tools and other equipment • An assortment of weapons, including muskets, 19th Century pistols and more Additionally, visitors can view the reconstructed USS Cairo itself outside of the museum. While certain parts of the ship were lost in the Yazoo, many original elements of the boat still remain. EMBARK ON AN ADVENTURE THROUGH VICKSBURG MISSISSIPPI Explore this one-of-a-kind historical artifact – along with the rest of the Vicksburg National Military Park – by planning your trip to Vicksburg today. Get started by reserving a room at one of the city’s numerous hotels or bed and breakfasts. USS CAIRO GUNBOAT AND MUSEUM DETAILS: Temporarily Closed. Daily: 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Address: 3201 Clay Street, Vicksburg MS 39183 Phone: 601-636-2199Related Events & Stories
How to Spend a Day at the Vicksburg National Military Park
The Siege of Vicksburg was a major turning point in the Civil War that sometimes goes unsung in history books.
Support Our Troops: Attractions Recommended for Veterans and Service Members
Vicksburg is home to many military sites and attractions that veterans might enjoy.
The Old Depot Museum: Must-See for Train and Model Enthusiasts
The city of Vicksburg owes a lot of its development to the modes of transportation available at the time it…
Top 5 Reasons Vicksburg, MS Should Be a Stop on Your Next Southern Road Trip
Vicksburg, Mississippi is a one-of-a-kind Southern destination that’s packed with restaurants, comfortable accommodations and a variety of unique attractions that…