Parks

To Confederate President Jefferson Davis, Vicksburg was the "nailhead that holds the South's two halves together." President Abraham Lincoln remarked "Vicksburg is the key" to victory, and could be the north's lifeline into the south. As the federals closed in on the Fortress City, they were met by a ring of forts with over 170 cannon. The resulting battle would determine the war's outcome.

Map showing location of park.

Road with damage including large crack and sections of the road dropped a few feet

Repairs Starting on Closed Roads in Vicksburg National Military Park

2025-02-26

On March 3, 2025, the National Park Service (NPS) will begin repair work on Grant Circle and a section of Union Ave in the northern portion of the park. Following heavy rainfall in early 2020, these roads suffered catastrophic failures necessitating closure to ensure visitor safety. These roads have been closed since that time.

On the left is large white stone building on small hill with a dome and stairs leading up to it. In the center is road. On the right of the road firefighters mange a fire line with flames showing.

Using Prescribe Fires for Battlefield Landscape Management

2025-02-04

The National Park Service (NPS) will be conducting prescribed fires to manage vegetation in select areas of Vicksburg National Military Park on February 5 and 6, 2005, weather dependent. Areas for prescribed fires will include large grassy areas in the South Loop, near the Illinois Memorial and Shirley House, the western slope of Fort Hill, along Graveyard Road, and at Thayer’s Approach. The area of prescribed burns will include approximately 231 acres.