Hometown Civil War History

I wanted to share a little bit of history of my hometown of Vicksburg. The Seige of Vicksburg was fought here and a park was established to commenorate one of the most decisive battles of the American Civil War. You can drive the 16-mile tour road through the Union and Confederate siege lines. A must-see if you are in this area.

The recovery of artifacts from the Cairo revealed a treasure trove of weapons, munitions, naval stores and personal gear of the sailors who served on board. The gunboat and its artifacts can now be seen along the tour road at the U.S.S. Gunboat Cairo Museum in the Vicksburg National Military Park.


A very impressive monument in the park that is called the Illinois State Memorial. This monument has 47 steps, one for every day Vicksburg was besieged. The eagle on top was taken down in April 1996 and re-gilded by artisans. The gold leaf will last for approximately 75 years. (Noticed the bird on the eagle's wing)



A statue of Ulysses S. Grant who was the leading Union General in the American Civil War, capturing Vicksburg in 1863.

A displayed of cannons that can be seen at the Visitors Center in the Vicksburg National Military Park.