"Vicksburg-who has been?" Topic

My family and I are headed to Vicksburg next week. I haven't been there since 1980. Besides the park, what else should we see? I was thinking about following the campaign trail.

Champion Hill, absolutely.

Yes, do follow the campaign trail. That will take you to not only Champion Hill but also the Raymond battlefield which is the latest to be restored and marked. The Visitors' Center at Vicksburg will have guides for the trail.

Also visit the Old Courthouse Museum and the Blue/Gray Naval Museum (more than just ACW ships) in town.

Jim

Since 1980, they have added a gunboat to the park. Make sure you see it.
A few years ago, the year following Katrina, they held the Bayou Wars convention in Vicksburg. It was a great show.

Hit the Old Depot Museum downtown. They have a large diorama and a couple hundred ship models.

I visited many years ago. It was an excellent experience. The driving tour around the seige lines is well worth doing, and don't forget to visit the remains of the ironclad Cairo

Thanks everyone. We will have time to follow each of your suggestions. My wife has turned the itinerary completely over to me which may or may not be a good thing. No pressure there. lol

The USS Cairo at the Battlefield Park is fantastic.

I'm really looking forward to seeing the Cairo. It was actually there the last time I visited, but they have done a lot of work since.

Stupid question, but is Champion Hill open to the public or is it on Champion family land?

And remember, the Cairo is pronounced "KAY-row". If you pronounce it like the capital of Egypt you are marked as a foreigner.

Also, make sure you enjoy the local food. The Army has taken me to that battlefield at least four times for staff rides, and I've enjoyed the food every time. I can't remember any of the names of the best places I ate unfortunately……

Champion Hill is on private land. You will need the owner's permission to enter. You should understand that the soil and rock that made up "Champion Hill" was used to build a highway and the hill no longer exists. A National Park Ranger explained that you should call or write ahead.

I was at Vicksburg five years ago and asked a Park Ranger about finding Big Black River battle field and Champion Hill. He reached under the counter and pulled out a book that details day by day, hour by hour in some cases the Vicksburg Campaign. It provides GPS coordinates, directions and information on the event that occurred. It was free! A beautiful guide and source book. The title is "Vicksburg Campaign driving guide" You will have to ask for it at the counter, it is not on display in any of the book racks.

Terry

I was there in 1963 – no, not 1863. Someone moved the river.

Biggest change you will notice is that in the last 2 years they have removed tress between the Union and Confederate lines at a number of key points and you can walk from the Union lines and up the bluffs to the Confederate entrenchments and get a real feel for the battle. Also some of the artillery emplacements and fields of fire can be seen. Awesome improvement.

Bill

When we visited the first time in the late 90's the Park was testing the removal of Kudzu on several acres. I did not look to see if there was any success when we visited in 2011.

Terry

It will be very hot – being from Texas, you probably already know this. Pack an ice chest. To the extent you can stand the heat, do get out of your car and walk – its a great park to inspect on foot.

I second the earlier comment about the battlefield at Raymond – neat place – and some of the older buildings in downtown Raymond are worth a look while you're there. Great ideas if you like to scratch build structures for your ACW games!

I went about 20 or so years ago. fun trip

Good information folks. I sure appreciate it.