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The same week in history in July 1863, two separate battles were taking place. Gettysburg in Pennsylvania and Vicksburg in Mississippi. Both were taking their toll on American lives. The Vicksburg campaign is not as famous as Gettysburg but it contributed more to the end of the war than any battle to that date. And, Ulysses S. Grant established himself as a tough leader in this battle. The National Park Service has done wonderful work in maintaining the battle area. Ulysses S. Grant spent many months trying to defeat the Confederate military at Vicksburg and when you travel through the park, you can imagine the battle scene.
Vicksburg, Mississippi; a town often forgotten when travel plans are made. But, this town is a must-see for all history buffs. It boasts a beautifully designed park and memorial to the Civil War. In fact, the whole town is practically a step back in time. Most of the homes in
Vicksburg have been restored to their earlier splendor. Magnificent antique furniture and furnishings. Upon touring these homes, you can learn the history of the people who lived during those times. You can see the bullet holes that entered into the private homes of women and
children.
Vicksburg National Military Park was ordered by Congress in 1899, so that we can remember a very important battle of the American Civil War, the campaign, siege and defense of Vicksburg. The Vicksburg campaign included battles, not only in the town of Vicksburg, but also in west-central Mississippi at Port Gibson, Raymond, Jackson, Champion Hill, and Big Black River. The battle in the town of Vicksburg lasted 47 days, where the Confederate forces were defending the city against the siege of the Union forces. Due to Vicksburg’s strategic location overlooking the Mississippi river it was considered the Rock of Gibraltar of the Confederacy as long as they had control of it. After the long siege, however, Vicksburg faltered and surrendered to the North on July 4, 1863. The South lost control of the Mississippi River and all that it meant to travel, shipping and winning the war.
The National Battlefield is large at 1,800 acres. While touring you have the option to drive through on your own or take a guided tour. The park itself is beautifully landscaped and well maintained. There are 1,325 exquisite statues and memorials honoring those men who fought for what they believed. Your guide will tell you stories of individual men that will touch your heart. The park also has monuments from all the states that participated in the battle - both Union and Confederate. The Illinois
monument is a large and breathtaking rotunda. Throughout the 13 mile drive in the park, there are stops showing different aspects of the battlefield. Fort Hill has a view of the old Mississippi River, showing the visitor how the defending Confederate Army saw the River. The National Cemetery is a grim reminder of the cost of war. There are trenches to see, statues to admire, battle lines identified throughout the park, and even a rebuilt Union gunboat, the USS Cairo.
The Visitor Center provides a 15 minute film giving the history of the battle, along with realistic displays of life during the Siege. While at the museum, be sure to look at the period weaponry displayed, including knives and guns, along with a battery of cannon outside.
The best times of year to visit this park are early spring, or fall. Mississippi is very hot in the summer! The scenery is more beautiful in the Spring when the flowers are beginning to bloom, and in autumn when the leaves are turning colors.
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