Vicksburg prepares for its Sesquicentennial commemoration of the Siege of Vicksburg Situated high on the bluffs overlooking the mighty Mississippi River, Vicksburg prides itself on its perfect location as a midway point between Memphis and New Orleans as well as Dallas and Atlanta. As the city prepares for its sesquicentennial commemoration of the Civil War and looking back to that time, it is that location which made it a focus point during the struggle to unite our nation once again. President Abraham Lincoln even said, “Vicksburg is the key.” He knew that triumphing in the Siege of Vicksburg would lead to gaining control to the western part of our nation and the Mississippi
River. On July 4, 1863 he did just that. Gen. Ulysses S. Grant and Gen. John Pemberton negotiated Vicksburg’s surrender giving the Union complete control. Visitors can relive that history by visiting the Vicksburg National Military Park and tour homes, museums and attractions in Vicksburg that highlight that time of grandeur. Commemoration events have already started in the area with the launch of the Vicksburg Art of Commemoration Guide, Emancipation Proclamation Commemoration, the Battle of Raymond Re-enactment and the U.S.S.
Cairo Anniversary Commemoration. This year brings lots of excitement to Vicksburg with Civil War sesquicentennial commemoration events. Events start in April with Tapestry: The Pilgrimage to Vicksburg and the Vicksburg Heritage Fair and continue until July 4, the anniversary of the Siege of Vicksburg’s surrender. The Vicksburg National Military Park has also been chosen by the National Park Service as a venue for a Civil War sesquicentennial signature event which has been scheduled for Memorial Day weekend. Activities include: concerts by the U.S. Navy Band, Mississippi Symphony Orchestra with special guest Trace Adkins, Jackson State University Mass Choir and the 41st U.S. Army Band; commemorations of the first assault on the city and the second assault of Vicksburg’s defenses; living history presentations that include cannon demonstrations and interpretation of soldier everyday life during the Civil War; Shadows of the Past; a display of Special Boat Unit 22, part of the Navy’s modern river forces; a rededication of the Iowa Memorial; special programs on Civil War engineering and siege tactics and on African-Americans and the Civil War exploring the roles of freemen, U.S. Colored Troops and enslaved peoples; and Soldiers through the Ages where a timeline of the military will be presented through static displays and programs. Civil War history is simply part of Vicksburg’s tapestry and can be found throughout the city at attractions including historic tour homes, the Old Court House Museum, the Lower Mississippi River Museum and the Old Depot Museum. Licensed guides are also available for personal guided tours through the city and the Vicksburg National Military Park. Enjoy shopping throughout the river city at downtown antiques and specialty shops as well as our outlet mall and other retail shopping. With so much to see and do, make sure to stay a while at one of Vicksburg’s grand bed and breakfast inns or luxurious hotels.
Story by Vicksburg Convention and Visitors Bureau. All advertorial photos in this section provided by the Vicksburg Convention and Visitors Bureau.
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The special 3rd edition Sesquicentennial historical advertising supplement of