Photo by Vicksburg Convention and Visitors Bureau
The H.C. Porter Gallery is one of two downtown galleries that are part of the art scene in Vicksburg, which has more public art than any other city in Mississippi.
The Art of Vicksburg
Public art remains important part of the landscape in this beautiful Mississippi River town For CROSSROADS MAGAZINE Vicksburg sits on the picturesque banks of the Mississippi River, and while the scenic beauty is a work of art in itself, there is much more to take in here. From its vivid waterfront murals to centuries-old sculptures memorializing earlier times, Vicksburg is filled with art. Located just 45 miles west of Jackson and 75 miles north of Natchez, Vicksburg sits at the intersection of Interstate 20 and historic U.S. Highway 61. This diverse river city combines a vibrant downtown shopping and dining district, beautiful historic homes, a host of outdoor activities and nationally recognized historic sites. In addition, it is home to more public art than anyplace else in Mississippi.
Riverfront murals
Downtown, the stories of Vicksburg are told in the collection of 32 vibrant riverfront murals (1200 Levee Street, Vicksburg, Mississippi 39183) painted on the flood walls of Levee Street. These vivid paintings depict the people and happenings that built this city and shaped its future. The initial mural, an abstract depicting important local influences by Vicksburg artist Martha Ferris, was painted along the floodwall in 2001. Since then, 32 pictorial murals by Robert Dafford, illustrating PAGE 20
periods of history in Vicksburg, have been added. History buffs will also enjoy visiting downtown museums which also tell the important stories of Vicksburg.
fascinating history. The Old Warren County Courthouse sits high on the Vicksburg landscape and has been dubbed the most historic building in the city. It has been named one of the 20 most outstanding courthouses in the UnitThe Attic Gallery (1101 Washed States by the American Institute ington Street, Vicksburg, Missisof Architects. It is now home to the sippi 39183; 601-638-9221) is the Vicksburg’s Church of the Holy Old Court House Museum (1008 oldest independent art gallery Trinity (900 South Street, Vicks- Cherry Street, Vicksburg, Missisin Mississippi. With a collection burg, Mississippi 39180; 601sippi 39183; 601-636-0741). that ranges from Southern folk 636-0542) completed in 1880, The Yazoo & Mississippi Valley art to contemporary fine art and listed in the National Register of Railroad Station is a prime selections of hand-crafted pottery, Historic Places, has 14 stained example of Colonial Revival jewelry and more, this is so much glass windows that line the left architecture. It is also home to The more than a home-town gallery. and right sides of the sanctuary. Old Depot Museum (1010 Levee At the nearby H.C. Porter Gallery What is most remarkable is that, Street, Vicksburg, Mississippi, (1216 Washington Street, Vicksof those, six are authentic Tiffany 39183; 601-638-6500). burg, Mississippi 39183; 601originals that date back to the Vicksburg’s residential buildings 661-9444) the works of Porter, a late 19th century. represent a wide range of archiMississippi native, are on display. The Tiffany windows, it is said, tectural styles. These buildings She features mixed media, incorreplaced original clear glass trace the history of the city from porating printing, photography windows and were paid for its early beginnings through its and printmaking. Porter’s pieces primarily by contributions from most prosperous days at the turn have been displayed from Missisparishioners as memorials to of the century and then on into the sippi to France. loved ones. Additional stained mid-twentieth century. glass includes a set of five known as the Reconciliation Windows, designed to honor the soldiers, Vicksburg offers a host of lodging from both the north and south, options. From a full complement Vicksburg National Military who died in battle during the of national and local hotel properPark (3201 Clay Street Vicksties to a mix of casino hotels, there Siege of Vicksburg. burg, Mississippi 39183; 601is variety to meet every need. In 636-0583) has been called the addition, a collection of unique “art park of the world.” It is home Two commercial buildings not bed and breakfasts offer their to more than 1,400 monuments only offer examples of outstanding unique opportunities to experience and memorials, many dating architectural feats, but also house the hospitality–and in many cases back more than 100 years. This museums where visitors can learn learn more about the history–of unique landscape offers an opabout many facets of Vicksburg’s this amazing city on the river.
Downtown galleries
portunity to appreciate not only the historic and military significance of the site, but also the amazing stone and bronze work created by some of the most renowned American sculptors of the era.
Tiffany glass
Vicksburg National Military Park
Where to stay
Vicksburg architecture
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