Vicksburg

The history, charm and character of the Mississippi River flow through Vicksburg - setting the easygoing pace and cheery lifestyle in the town. Which means you never have to look too hard for a good catfish po-boy. Or a friendly face.
    
It seems the river has always drawn folks to Vicksburg - not the least of which were 70,000 Union troops during the Civil War. Union generals were so taken with the "Gibraltar of the Confederacy" they laid siege to Vicksburg for two months.
    
Now the Vicksburg National Military Park preserves the siege line. Considered one of America's most beautiful memorials, its serene grounds serve as the final resting place for 17,000 Union soldiers. And 5,000 Confederates lie along their front line in the nearby city cemetery.
    
Many gorgeous antebellum homes and churches recall Vicksburg's rich past as well. These survivors of the mortars and minie balls proudly line neighborhoods with their magnificent columns. Every year thousands of guests descend upon the town for a glimpse of the wonderful architecture during the Spring and Fall Pilgrimages.
    
Visitors also flock to Vicksburg's historic riverfront downtown each year to blow it out for RiverFest. Live music, tasty food and one-of-a-kind crafts celebrate life on the river during the three-day street party.
    
And the Vicksburg Theatre Guild keeps the town well-entertained with musicals, comedies, classics and the longest running melodrama in the world. The Vicksburg Community Orchestra and the Vicksburg Community Chorus round out the cultural calendar with everything from ballet to bluegrass.
    
If you really want to broaden your cultural horizons, enroll with the Institute for Creative Learning in Retirement at nearby Hinds Community College. The low-cost program is built around retirees, offering both educational and social opportunities directed to members' specific interests.
    
Of course, there's always something happening at Vicksburg's casinos. Excellent food, music, shows and gaming tables keep things hopping on the river around the clock.
    
Bass, crappie, catfish and bream offer sportsmen a little more relaxing time on the Mississippi. And if you're worried about all the roulette wheels scaring the fish away, there's always the 18 other local lakes and rivers - not to mention woodlands filled with deer, turkey and dove.

Read what people like yourself have to say about Vicksburg:

Clifford and Bettye Whitney planned on getting out of Dallas for a few days, but wound up living in Vicksburg.

Mississippi Living: How exactly did you two end up in Mississippi?

The Whitneys: It's the craziest thing. We were on our way to visit our kids in Washington, but took a wrong turn leaving Dallas. Before we knew it, we were in Mississippi, so we decided to spend the night in Vicksburg. The next afternoon, we fell in love with this gorgeous antebellum house and made an offer by the end of the day. We've made a few additions, and now we run a 16-room bed and breakfast.

Mississippi Living: So you guys stay pretty busy.

The Whitneys: We're always tinkering on something around the house. Bettye does a lot of portrait painting, and we're also involved with the Red Cross, Mental Health Association, Rotary Club, Chamber of Commerce and Art Association. We never sit down for very long.

Mississippi Living: What would you like to say to someone who is interested in retiring to Vicksburg?

The Whitneys: Vicksburg is a well-kept secret. It is a wonderful community and we feel very lucky to be a part of it.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Vicksburg-Warren County Chamber of Commerce
2020 Mission 66
P.O. Box 709
Vicksburg, MS 39181
Phone: 601-636-1012
1-888-VICKSBURG (842-5728)
Fax: 601-636-4422
E-mail: psmith@vicksburgchamber.org
Website: www.vicksburgliving.com