Vicksburg National Military Park

Established in 1899. Vicksburg National Military Park commemorates the campaign, siege and defense of Vicksburg. Vicksburg was a fortress located on high ground guarding the Mississippi River. Its surrender on July 4, 1863, coupled with the fall of Port Hudson, Louisiana, divided the South, and gave the North undisputed control of the Mississippi River. The Vicksburg battlefield includes 1,330 monuments and markers, a 16-mile tour road, a restored Union gunboat, and a National Cemetery. CD's are available at the Visitor's Center, where life-sized exhibits and artifacts from the Siege of Vicksburg are on display. An 18-minute film recounts the campaign and is shown on the hour and half-hour. Guided tours available - reservations recommended for guided tours.