Vicksburg, Mississippi, is most famous for its history significance during the Civil War.
The Vicksburg National Military Park overlooks the mighty Mississippi River. The beautiful scenery belies the terrible bloodshed that occurred here in one of the pivotal battles of the Civil War. You can walk or drive around the park depending on the amount of time you have allotted. Monuments to the soldiers on both sides of this horrific war are scattered throughout the battlefield. You can read what happened at each of the locations and gain a better understanding of the battle that resulted in Confederate Lt. General John Pemberton surrendering to Union General Ulysses S. Grant the day after the Battle of Gettysburg. The orientation video about the battle is very helpful in understanding all that happened. The park gave our children room to run off some energy, also.
Take time to tour the USS Cairo, one of the first US ironclad warships. (The ship is on the battlefield grounds.) The ship was the first American ship to be sunk by a torpedo, a dubious distinction at best.
Other historical sites are less sobering and thought-provoking. The Biedenham Coca Cola Museum marks the spot where the very first coke was bottled in 1894.Visitors can indulge in a Coke or Coke float during their trip. (I did not realize that our children had never had a Coke float until we visited the museum and they asked what a float was! We quickly remedied that horrid oversight.) Historic plantation mansions are open for tours to give visitors a chance to walk through history for themselves.
Vicksburg is known for its historical significance, but it has many other things to do as well. Children will love the Catfish Row Children’s Art Park. They may also enjoy crossing the Vicksburg Bridge that joins the states of Louisiana and Mississippi.
Vicksburg has something for everyone. If they are tired of history, adults can enjoy one of the four casinos located in town. Shopping is another way to spend some time in Vicksburg. Shopping and outlet malls are big name opportunities, but the downtown area offers a quaint feel as visitors trip in and out of boutiques, home-owned stores and art galleries. (History and shopping can also be combined by visits to several antique stores.)
So whether you are driving through Vicksburg or making it into a several day visit, take time to see the sights and enjoy a step back into history.
– Candace Ahlfinger has loved traveling since she was little and has always been on the go whenever possible. Now she is retired and gets to do what she loves best… TRAVEL! Whether it’s traveling with her wonderful husband, or our children and grandchildren, traveling is a great experience that enriches her life. Because she always enjoys reading and hearing about others’ travel experiences, she wants to share her travels with the Ellis DownHome readers.
