The Siege of Vicksburg is one of the turning points in the Civil War that is often overlooked. As a result of the 47-day battle of attrition between General Pemberton’s loyal Confederates and General Grant’s indestructible union troops, Vicksburg surrendered, and the Union took control of the Mississippi.
After 40 years, a group of veterans made a commitment to honor the sacrifice of each state by erecting an impressive number of monuments and memorials on the battlefield where their brothers died. Vicksburg is still a destination for visitors from around the world. Just where do you begin? You can get the most out of your visit to Vicksburg National Military Park if you follow these tips.
The Mississippi African American Memorial
The bronze sculpture pays homage to the 1st and 3rd Mississippi infantry regiments, and it’s the largest African American tribute on a battlefield in the National Park Service. In the weeks and months following the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation, the Union army began training African American soldiers in camps on the Mississippi.
The Black regiments fought valiantly when the Confederates attempted to seize Milliken’s Bend, marking a turning point in the way African-American soldiers were perceived and respected during the war. The sculpture shows Black soldiers in uniform and farm labourers helping a wounded Black soldier off the battlefield. One man looks forward to a hopeful future; another looks ahead at the present; third, he looks back, never forgetting the past.
Visitor Center
There are park rangers at the visitor center to help you plan your trip. Before you start, make sure you pick up the park brochure and map, and don’t miss the short film, “Here Brothers Fought,” about the harrowing events of the Vicksburg campaign. Through 22 designated stops and as many as you like, you can see all the sights and sounds of the park. Discover fascinating facts about each location with your park brochure and phone. Download The Vicksburg Battle App to make the experience even better.
An application for GPS-enabled touring provides the perfect companion to explore the Civil War campaign that was one of the most significant during the conflict. From Port Gibson to the Siege of Vicksburg, the app will take you to the most historical points of interest on this Civil War battlefield.
Explore audio accounts from soldiers who fought in the battle, photos, orders of battle, chronologies, historical facts, and more on guided tours lasting 1.5 to 2 hours. Tours conducted by licensed park guides provide a more immersive experience. A knowledgeable guide will be able to provide insights and answer questions as you tour the park, whether it is as an individual, a family, or as a group. You just need to make a reservation with the Visitor Center in advance, and your guide will meet you there at the time you have arranged. For more details visit https://holidayinnvicksburg.com/