Vicksburg, MS
Spring, 2022
This vacation started because of memories of the Natchez Trace Parkway during a college education trip (many years ago). We decided to fly into Jackson Miss, and spend 3 days in Vicksburg, followed by 3 days in Natchez... of course with some driving on the Natchez Trace.
Things to do
I would tell everyone to visit Vicksburg once. The history is fascinating, and being there really helps you understand what happened in the Civil War. In those days the Mississippi river "curved" right under the bluffs in Vicksburg, so the Confederates could defend this part of the river. The Union army never broke the Confederate lines; instead they won using an old fashion siege. Disclaimer: Don't go in the summer - it's blazing hot!
Eating out
Vicksburg is only about 20,000 population, so don't expect fine dining, but you'll find several good choices and the people are glad to see tourists. We tried 10 South Grill 1301 Washington 601-503-4600 and the Biscuit Company 610 Grove St 39183 601-429-0035
Where to stay
We found a nice, recently updated AirBnB right next to downtown. It was nice being just a few blocks away from downtown Vicksburg. The Battlefield park was about 5 minutes away. Here's the info: https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/42050160?source_impression_id=p3_1686518523_4Fgg1YdSCrIyE8fh
Remy our host was very nice. If you like to cook, this place is ready for you!
On our next trip to Vicksburg
Although the May weather was not too hot, we would definitely pick a cooler month to be able to enjoy the battlefield park, which is all outdoors. Also, if you enjoy a glass of wine, the selection in Vicksburg stores is not good. BUT, you drive across the river to a very nice liquor store in Louisiana!
Activities
Of course, the main attraction is the Battlefield park. If you are fit and the weather is agreeable, you could spend several hours looking at history. Everything follows along well marked roads in the park, so hiking is NOT a requirement. (Although we did some locals jogging around.) There are several small museums in town, so you can get a taste of history. We really enjoyed meeting Charles Pendleton, owner of the Vicksburg Civil War Museum. 1123 Washington St. Vicksburg 39180 601-218-5526. Charles has a terrific collection and is very knowledgeable. Photo below.
Videos
Raising the colors
Photo: Of course we visited the Texas memorial!
We got to see the raising of the flag at the Battlefield National Park https://vimeo.com/717480224
Illinois State monument
Since the Union states won the Civil War, they had a lot more money and resources to create their monuments. Many of the Confederate states could not create their monuments until after the turn of the century. https://vimeo.com/718561312
Confederate artillery above the river
This shows the geographical advantage the South had in defending the Mississippi. Abraham Lincoln called Vicksburg "The Key to the South". https://vimeo.com/718674549
USS Cairo
The gunship USS Cairo was sunk by a mine (with NO casualties!) and lay under the mud until 1965. Quite a bit of the ship and personal belongings are available to see. https://vimeo.com/718949474
Photo Gallery
Ellen with Charles Pendleton at the Civil War Museum, 1123 Washington St.
Since Vicksburg is hilly, the residents were able dig many caves to avoid the Union bombardment.
This is a recreation (with some original artifacts) of one of the Vicksburg caves.
The Illinois monument. See the video above to see inside
Ellen outside the Illinois monument
John takes a turn