What Is Vicksburg National Military Park?
Vicksburg National Military Park houses 1,325 historical monuments and markers honoring those who fought in the Battle of Vicksburg, 1863!
What Makes It Historical?
One of the key strategies in General Winfield Scott’s Anaconda Plan during the Civil War was to take control of the Mississippi River and use it to block supplies to the Confederate Army, gradually squeezing them into submission. Capturing the city of Vicksburg was a crucial step in this process, so over 6 weeks in 1863, Major General Ulysses S. Grant led his Army of the Tennessee down through Arkansas, across the Mississippi to capture the capital of Jackson, then came up behind the Confederate stronghold at Vicksburg to pin them against the river!
The Union army created a 7-mile ring of trenches and redans around Vicksburg, and though the Confederate defenses were able to repel two major attacks, in the end, the troops of Lt. Gen. John Pemberton ran out of supplies after a 40-day siege and were forced to surrender on July 4, 1863. This victory gave the Union control of the Mississippi River, split the Confederacy in half, and led to General Grant’s promotion to head of the entire Union Army!
How Can I #HelpTheHelpers?
- Pay the entrance fee to help maintain trails, signs, structures, and other visitor services!
- Volunteer at Vicksburg National Military Park!
- Become a member of the Friends of Vicksburg!
- Be a responsible visitor! Remember the old adages: Pack out what you pack in! Take nothing but pictures and leave nothing but footprints!
How Do I Get There?
3201 Clay Street
Vicksburg, MS 39183
(Take Me There!)
When Should I Visit the Park?
The grounds are open daily from sunrise to sunset, while the visitor center itself opens at 8:00 AM and closes at 5:00 PM!
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