Vicksburg, MS - Day 2
I woke around 7:30 and made a bowl of cereal. The Vicksburg National Military Park opened at 8:00 am and I wanted to get there while the sun was still low in the east.
Vicksburg National Memorial
I spent most of the day touring the park. The National Parks Service app has a self guided tour which I followed. The tour and all the plaques along the way, give a very good sense of the activities over the 47 days of the ensuing battles and siege of Vicksburg.
View Of Illinois Monument from a Distance
It is interesting that at the beginning of the war, Vicksburg was a primarily Confederate city and the majority of its residents supported the Confederacy. However, as the war dragged on and the Union Army tightened its grip on the city, some residents began to shift their allegiance. I’ve read that it’s estimated that there were likely several hundred Union supporters in the city.
The assaults by Union troops on Vicksburg prior to the siege were part of the Vicksburg Campaign during the American Civil War, and they were characterized by intense fighting and significant loss of life on both sides. The initial assault occurred on May 19, 1863, when Union General Ulysses S. Grant ordered an attack on the Confederate defenses around Vicksburg. The Union troops made several attempts to breach the Confederate fortifications, but they were met with heavy resistance and suffered heavy casualties. The fighting was particularly brutal in the area around a Confederate stronghold known as the Stockade Redan.
Northern Cannon
A second assault took place on May 22, 1863, and was even more intense than the first. Union troops once again attempted to breach the Confederate fortifications, but they were again met with heavy resistance. The fighting was particularly brutal around a Confederate stronghold known as the Railroad Redoubt. Despite the Union's efforts, they were unable to break through the Confederate lines, and the assault ended in failure. The following images show the road and close distances between the sides.
In total, the Union suffered over 3,000 casualties during the assaults on Vicksburg, while the Confederates suffered around 500 casualties. The battles were particularly horrific, with both sides engaging in hand-to-hand combat and fighting in close quarters.
Despite the losses suffered during the assaults, Union General Ulysses S. Grant ultimately succeeded in capturing Vicksburg on July 4, 1863, after a prolonged siege. The fall of Vicksburg was a significant turning point in the Civil War, as it gave the Union control of the Mississippi River and split the Confederacy in two.
Confederate Lines Marked with Red Plaques
USS Cairo
The USS Cairo was a fascinating exhibit. The USS Cairo was a Union gunboat that played a vital role in the American Civil War, participating in several battles before it met its tragic end. On December 12, 1862, while patrolling the Yazoo River near Vicksburg, the Cairo was hit by two torpedoes, which caused it to sink within 12 minutes. The entire crew were able to be safely evacuated before the sinking. It is thought that the Cairo was the first ship in history to be successfully sunk by an electrically detonated torpedo.
Parts of the display have been added to provide support for the remains as seen in the following photographs.
Vicksburg
Vicksburg is situated on a high bluff overlooking the Mississippi River. The town is known for its steep hills that slope down to the river, offering scenic views of the water and surrounding landscape. This hilly terrain played a significant role in the Civil War, as the steep slopes made it difficult for Union troops to mount a successful attack on the Confederate defenders. Because of the steep hills, the town has some interesting architecture.
Natchez Trace Parkway
I found camping at the Natchez State Campground south of Vicksburg. The Natchez Trace Parkway was on my list of things to see in Mississippi. The parkway ended close to the campground.
The Natchez Trace Parkway is a scenic road that stretches for 444 miles (715 kilometers) through the southern United States, connecting Natchez, Mississippi with Nashville, Tennessee. It is operated by the National Park Service and is a designated All-American Road, which is the highest designation for a scenic byway in the United States.
The parkway follows the historic Natchez Trace, which was a network of trails and paths that were used by Native Americans, traders, and settlers for hundreds of years. The route was later used by soldiers during the War of 1812, and by mail carriers during the 19th century.
Indian Mounds
I stopped to visit some of the Indian mounds along the Natchez Trace Parkway. The mounds are ancient earthen structures built by Native American peoples between 1,500 and 800 years ago. These mounds were constructed using soil, clay, and other materials, and were often used for religious, ceremonial, or burial purposes.
There are several groups of Indian mounds along the parkway, including the Emerald Mound site in Mississippi, which is the second-largest ceremonial mound in the United States. Overall, the Indian mounds along the Natchez Trace Parkway offer a fascinating glimpse into the ancient history of the United States and provide a unique opportunity to connect with the traditions and customs of the native peoples who inhabited the region for thousands of years.
I made it to the campground, but found it difficult to find the campsite. There were very few sign. The park office was closed, but luckily someone answered the phone. The direction were clear and I found my way to the site.
It was a long day. I setup in the dark, made dinner and fell asleep.