2019 Summer Trip

huskerblitz

Major
Joined
Jun 8, 2013
Location
Nebraska
My wife and I are gearing up for our summer trip. In the areas we are going, what are must-see places in addition to what I have listed? Most of the stops listed below are in relation to my research of the 22nd Kentucky Volunteer Infantry and following their footsteps.

Nebraska to Vicksburg via Kansas City route:
  1. Vicksburg -- Old Depot Museum and Old Courthouse Museum, National Military Park and the USS Cairo
  2. Arkansas Post
  3. Milliken's Bend
  4. Chickasaw Bayou -- Must visit for me
  5. Champion Hill
  6. Big Black River Bridge
  7. Port Gibson
  8. Baton Rouge
  9. Plaquemine City -- The 22nd Kentucky was stationed here for a time and created a soldier newspaper called The Picket Post
  10. On to New Orleans
  11. Meander to Berwick City, Brashear City (today Morgan City), and up to Young's Point on our way home.

What else have I missed or should consider?
 
Last edited:
What did you plan to do in Port Gibson and Baton Rouge?
The 22nd Kentucky participated in the battle at Port Gibson (they called it Thompson Hill). I'm not sure what's all there but we'll probably hit the ruins at Windsor while in the area.
And Baton Rouge was a staging area for the 22nd Ky. in March and April 1863. Along with Plaquemine, not sure what is all there to see but at least I will be following their footsteps.
 
The 22nd Kentucky participated in the battle at Port Gibson (they called it Thompson Hill). I'm not sure what's all there but we'll probably hit the ruins at Windsor while in the area.
And Baton Rouge was a staging area for the 22nd Ky. in March and April 1863. Along with Plaquemine, not sure what is all there to see but at least I will be following their footsteps.
Grand Gulf Military Park and Wintergreen Cemetery are also in Port Gibson.

In addition to Port Hudson State Historic Site near Baton Rouge,there is also Port Hudson National Cemetery. In Baton Rouge,there is Baton Rouge National Cemetery, Magnolia Cemetery, Capitol Park Museum,the Arsenal Building, the Old State Capitol building and the current State Capitol building.
 
The 22nd Kentucky participated in the battle at Port Gibson (they called it Thompson Hill). I'm not sure what's all there but we'll probably hit the ruins at Windsor while in the area.
And Baton Rouge was a staging area for the 22nd Ky. in March and April 1863. Along with Plaquemine, not sure what is all there to see but at least I will be following their footsteps.
At least part of the Battle of Baton Rouge was fought in Magnolia Cemetery:

Plan_de_Baton_Rouge_en_1862.jpg
 
Bobby did you and Rick ever lookup those Rebs which had sneaked into the Baton Rouge National Cemetery?
Regards
David
 
@huskerblitz are you driving down on I-55 or taking some back roads such as Hwy 61? Helena, Ar has Cleburne's grave in the Maple Hill Cemetery along with many other Johnnies.
Regards
David
 
Um...well, right now it's looking like I-49 to Fort Smith, then I-40 to Little Rock then 65 to Vicksburg appears to be the main route.
 
Bobby did you and Rick ever lookup those Rebs which had sneaked into the Baton Rouge National Cemetery?
Regards
David
I don't have fold3 anymore. Andy Hall looked up the one we found in August 2018. I have been looking for that.
 
Um...well, right now it's looking like I-49 to Fort Smith, then I-40 to Little Rock then 65 to Vicksburg appears to be the main route.
Stopping for any sightseeing in Little Rock or just passing through?
 
Just passing through unless you know of something amazing to stop and see.

During my only visit to Little Rock in June 2017,we went to the MacArthur Museum, Little Rock National Cemetery and adjacent Oakland Cemetery. Pretty amazing to me. :smile:
 
Suppose I should add Arkansas Post and maybe Milliken's Bend to the list.

In addition to Grant’s canal, I can get you to the historical marker describing Milliken’s Bend on Walnut Bayou in Louisiana - and to the site of Duck Port canal. To get to the actual spots depend on the roads. We can see Richmond and a bit of Roundaway Bayou if you want. The 22nd would have utilized the roads in these areas as they pushed down toward New Carthage and Hard Times.
 
In addition to Grant’s canal, I can get you to the historical marker describing Milliken’s Bend on Walnut Bayou in Louisiana - and to the site of Duck Port canal. To get to the actual spots depend on the roads. We can see Richmond and a bit of Roundaway Bayou if you want. The 22nd would have utilized the roads in these areas as they pushed down toward New Carthage and Hard Times.
That would be great!

It's funny, I was working on locations last night and it was driving me nuts trying to find a couple of places the 22nd Ky were in Louisiana. Come to find out a couple of the place names have changed over the years.
 
For some clarity for those suggesting, the main thrust of this trip will be to finish off following the footsteps of the 22nd Kentucky. While I'm interested in all things Civil War, they need to fall close to the path the 22nd Ky took. We'll probably skip most cemeteries just because of time constraints and cemeteries generally take a bit to walk through. A few of these places (Plaquemine, Berwick City, Brashear City, Young's Point, etc.) are probably just quick stops and a photo or two to say we were there since I haven't been able to find specific locations the 22nd camped.

But keep suggesting! Sadly, I think I would have forgotten about Grant's Canal if it hadn't been mentioned. Thanks @alan polk !
 
For some clarity for those suggesting, the main thrust of this trip will be to finish off following the footsteps of the 22nd Kentucky. While I'm interested in all things Civil War, they need to fall close to the path the 22nd Ky took. We'll probably skip most cemeteries just because of time constraints and cemeteries generally take a bit to walk through. A few of these places (Plaquemine, Berwick City, Brashear City, Young's Point, etc.) are probably just quick stops and a photo or two to say we were there since I haven't been able to find specific locations the 22nd camped.

But keep suggesting! Sadly, I think I would have forgotten about Grant's Canal if it hadn't been mentioned. Thanks @alan polk !

And as we’ve discussed, I think it would be imperative that you follow the route from Port Gibson to Rocky Springs, Cayuga, 5 Mile Creek, Old Auburn, Mt. Moriah area, Dillon’s to Raymond and Champion Hill. These represent the areas the 22nd marched. There is good signage at these locations now. You just have to figure out how much time you have allotted in the Vicksburg area to know if you can do it all.
 
And as we’ve discussed, I think it would be imperative that you follow the route from Port Gibson to Rocky Springs, Cayuga, 5 Mile Creek, Old Auburn, Mt. Moriah area, Dillon’s to Raymond and Champion Hill. These represent the areas the 22nd marched. There is good signage at these locations now. You just have to figure out how much time you have allotted in the Vicksburg area to know if you can do it all.
Any estimate on how long I should figure in? I'm thinking 3 full days before heading south towards New Orleans. My wife is flexible, though. I'm actually in charge of figuring this stuff out!

Right now I'm thinking Chickasaw Bayou and the military park will take one full day. I've been to the park a few years ago which is why I think it will not take as long. Since most of Chickasaw is private land not sure how long that will take.

Champion Hill and Big Black River another full day. I haven't been to these spots before.

And to tool around Vicksburg another day.

Too short you think? Should I figure 4 full days?
 
Back
Top