Vicksburg National Military Park

National Military Park · MS, LA · nps.gov page

Union cannon aimed at Confederate lines — The Union artillery played a major role in the outcome of the Vicksburg Campaign.Photo: NPS Photo

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.

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News

Vicksburg National Military Park Invites Public Feedback on Plans to Redesign Park Entrance 2026-10-05
Vicksburg National Military Park invites public feedback on plans to redesign its main entrance at Clay Street and Old Highway 27. The proposed changes aim to improve safety, traffic flow and access while protecting historic monuments. Public comments will be accepted October 5 through November 5, 2026.
Vicksburg National Military Park Restores Public Access to Grant Circle and a Section of Union Ave 2026-08-21
Vicksburg National Military Park has restored public access to Grant Circle and a section of Union Avenue after completing an extensive, multi-year rehabilitation project to repair catastrophic damage caused by heavy rainfall in early 2020. With the project’s completion, the northern section of the park is once again accessible to vehicular and pedestrian traffic.

Photos

Stars behind the Illinois State Memorial — Stars gleam behind the Illinois State Memorial.Photo: NPS Photo

Roses in bloom in front of the Shirley House, the only remaining Civil War structure in the park.Photo: NPS Photo

Park Ranger in Civil War Uniform Talks to Crowd — A park ranger in a Union Civil War uniform talks to a crowd of visitors.Photo: NPS Photo

Park information and photos come from the National Park Service. This is not an official NPS site.