School has begun and for some, this means the end of summer adventures. However, vacation season is far from over for many and here’s an additional positive thought: decreased crowds as a result of school starting create the perfect time for sight-seeing. In Mississippi, it’s hard to find a more magnificent site than the Mighty Mississippi River. One of the most commanding views of the river can be enjoyed from the 300-foot bluffs of the city of Vicksburg. Sweeping vistas of the rolling river aside, there’s so much else to see and do in this beautiful city rapidly approaching its 200th birthday.
Vicksburg has always been one of my favorite places to visit, fostered by school field trips to the Vicksburg National Military Park. Ingrained in my memory are school bus trips up the rolling hills that formerly served as the battlefield for one of the longest and most notable Civil War battles. My appreciation of Vicksburg has increased in recent years through tours of the breathtakingly-beautiful Old Courthouse Museum, antebellum homes, historic downtown museums and stores and the Visitor’s Center along the riverfront offering a birds-eye view of the two spectacular river bridges.
But first, a little more information is necessary on the event that put Vicksburg on the map and cemented a permanent place in Civil War history. The 1863 Siege of Vicksburg may have occurred more than 160 years ago, but it continues to draw thousands of visitors annually from around the world to tour the impressive park and museum.
The siege is considered one of the most decisive battles in the nearly five year-long conflict that ultimately signaled defeat for the Confederacy. A 47-day battle in the city between the Confederacy and Union soldiers ultimately resulted in a surrender from the Southern troops and as a result, permanent Union control of the Mississippi.
The 1,815-acre Vicksburg National Military Park commemorating the battle is comprised of a visitor’s center, USS Cairo Gunboat and Museum and 22 designated spots along the scenic rolling acres containing beautiful, iconic monuments to soldiers on both sides of the battlefield. Visitors can drive or walk along the route on their own or schedule a guide for an informative tour.
Additionally, visitors can tour other museums offering additional insights into the city’s rich history. These include the Old Depot Museum’s historical exhibits on the Siege of Vicksburg and the Biedenharn Coca-Cola Museum’s exhibits on the soft drink that was first bottled in the city in 1894.
My favorite Vicksburg Museum is the Old Court House Museum in the heart of the city. The magnificent mposing structure is more than a beautiful memorial to yesteryear. Confederate Generals Stephen D. Lee, John C. Breckinridge, and Earl Van Dorn watched from the cupola as a Confederate battleship battled its way through the Union fleet to safety at Vicksburg. During the war, the building was the target of considerable shelling from Union troops, thankfully suffering only one major hit. It was at the courthouse on July 4, 1863 that the Confederate flag was lowered and the U.S flag was raised as General Grant reviewed his victorious army.
Inside, the Old Court House Museum offers a plethora of exhibits that draw history buffs from around the world, including Confederate flags and memorabilia, antiques and portraits and tools used by Indians and early pioneers. The McCardle Research Library, which features more than 1,400 historical volumes, including cemetery records, business directories, marriage records and much more, is also housed within and managed by the museum
There’s also an historic walking tour along the Vicksburg Heritage Walking Trail filled with 35 markers in the downtown and historic districts. Eleven perfectly-restored historic homes, including McRaven, built in 1797, are open for tours.
Vicksburg may be known for its Civil War history, but it was actually founded decades earlier in 1811 and incorporated as a town in 1825. In 2025, Vicksburg will celebrate its bicentennial through a variety of special events and activities to pay homage to 200 years of rich history. The bicentennial will honor individuals and organizations and spotlight its many roles and accomplishments over the past two centuries, ranging from its notable part in the Civil War to its preservation of historic sites.
The five major bicentennial events center around five themes: People, The River, Arts & Culture, Lifestyle and Government & Military. Kicking off the celebrations will be a week of events surrounding the actual anniversary on Jan. 29. 2025. Vicksburg will host a storytelling symposium, parade, banquet and other community events to commemorate the city’s incorporation in 1825.
Other events scheduled throughout the year include a music and culture festival; fall family fair; Fourth of July extravaganza complete with fireworks and finally, a commemorative New Year’s Eve celebration.
For more information about Vicksburg’s Bicentennial celebration or to plan a visit to the city, contact Visit Vicksburg at 1-800-221-3536 or check out their website at visitvicksburg.com.
