Vicksburg National Military Park is a historic site that commemorates the events of the Vicksburg Campaign, Siege, and Defense during the Civil War. The Union victory in 1863, which established Federal control of the Mississippi River and split the Confederacy, was a turning point in the war. Vicksburg's strategic location as the primary Confederate stronghold on the river made it a crucial target for Union forces. Over 100,000 soldiers and sailors from 28 states, North and South, fought in the campaign and siege.
After two failed assaults on Vicksburg's defences, Union General Ulysses S. Grant switched to siege tactics to take the city. Confederate General John C. Pemberton and his troops were locked in the town for 47 days, with no hope of supplies or reinforcements from outside. They finally surrendered on July 4, 1863, and the Stars and Stripes again flew over Vicksburg.
The park's 16-mile tour road travels through the Union assault and siege locations and then along the Confederate defensive lines. Stops along the way provide insight into when two armies fought on this land. The park's more than 1,300 plaques, markers, and memorials make it one of the largest collections of outdoor sculptures in the country. Soldiers from nearly all the 28 states that fought in the campaign and siege have erected monuments in the park to honour the men who served.
The silent hills and fields of the park cannot convey the suffering and sacrifice that took place during the struggle for control of Vicksburg and the Mississippi River. But the many monuments dot the park serve as a testament to the noble manhood of those who fought and died for their principles and country. As the inscription on the Pennsylvania State Memorial reads, "Here brothers fought for their principles, here heroes died for their country, and a united people will forever cherish the precious legacy of their noble manhood."
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.
Don't be afraid to get lost in new places!
