As you explore the defenses of Vicksburg at the Vicksburg National Military Park, you will be able to see the extensive fortifications that the Confederates constructed to protect the city from Union attack. The tour road, which travels east and then south along the Confederate lines, will take you through several key points of interest:
Confederate state memorials: These memorials honor the troops who fought in the Battle of Vicksburg. Each memorial is dedicated to a specific state and its soldiers who participated in the battle. You'll find memorials dedicated to states such as Mississippi, Louisiana, Arkansas, and more. Forts and Redoubts: Along the tour road, you'll encounter several forts and redoubts that formed a crucial part of the Confederate defenses. Some of these include: Stockade Redan: A triangular-shaped fortification located on the northern end of the Confederate lines. This fort played a significant role in the early stages of the Siege of Vicksburg. Great Redoubt: A large earthwork fortification that was strategically positioned on a hill to provide excellent views of the surrounding area and Union forces. Railroad Redoubt: A smaller fortification located near the Southern Railroad of Mississippi, it was an important defensive position for the Confederates. Fort Garrott: Named after Col. Isaac Garrott, who was killed during the siege, this fortification was heavily involved in the fighting and ultimately fell to Union forces. Surrender site: At the end of the 47-day siege, General Ulysses S. Grant and General John C. Pemb
The open road stretched before us, beckoning us to embark on a journey of discovery and adventure. We set out from Vicksburg, Mississippi, the historic town known for its charm and Southern hospitality. Our first stop was the Corners Mansion Inn, a grand old mansion where we spent the night in luxury and indulgence.
The following day, we ventured to the Levee Street Marketplace, a vibrant hub of local culture and commerce. We strolled among the stalls, admiring the handcrafted goods and sampling the delicious fare of the Deep South. From there, we continued to the Vicksburg National Military Park, where we explored the hallowed grounds and learned about the history of the Civil War.
Our journey then took us to Rolling Fork, Mississippi, where we visited the Visitors Center & Museum and discovered the rich heritage of the Mississippi Delta. We also stopped at Mont Helena, a beautiful plantation home with a stunning view of the surrounding landscape.
As we made our way to Clarksdale, Mississippi, we drove along the Blues Crossroads Highways 61 and 49, taking in the sights and sounds of the region that gave birth to the blues. At the Delta Blues Museum, we were immersed in the area's musical history, learning about the legends who paved the way for modern music.
Our final stop was at the iconic Hollywood Cafe in Hollywood, Mississippi, where we savoured the flavours of classic Southern cuisine and basked in the ambience of a bygone era.
As we left Clarksdale, the sun was beginning to set, casting a warm glow over the rolling hills of the Mississippi Delta. We hopped back in our car and made our way towards Tunica, eager to take in the natural beauty of the Mississippi River at sunset. The Tunica River Park did not disappoint - the tranquil waters were bathed in a golden light, and we spent a few blissful moments just taking in the scenery. As the sky turned from gold to pink to purple, we realised we were hungry and decided to head towards our final destination for the night, the Hilton Garden Inn Memphis East Germantown. The drive took us through some charming small towns, and we chatted happily about the memories we had made that day. Finally, we arrived at the hotel and were delighted to find a cosy room waiting for us, complete with all the amenities we needed to make our stay comfortable. We couldn't wait to explore Germantown and see what adventures the next day would bring.