First time going to Vicksburg

[1stMN]

Hi all, I finally have the pleasure of going to Vicksburg in November. Any recommendations of good photo ops and just good all-around things to see at the battlefield? Thanks in advance!

 

[alan polk]

That's great! To better help, how long will you be there.? In Civil War terms, Will you be interested in more than just the park? Etc...

 

[1stMN]

Unfortunately, I'll only have a couple hours so its in essence a "fly-by" on my way home to Minnesota. I'll pretty much be just on the battlefield for my time there but I'll take any pointers. I'll make sure I go back there again My family has a property in Florida that we drive to a few times a year so I'm in the area.

 

[Sid J.]

Be sure and visit the Cairo

 

[Nathanb1]

Yeah, I'd say the Cairo is the centerpiece. We spent an entire day driving the field and I do believe taking a photo of every danged monument and marker. It was hot, so carry some cold water with you! (It can be hot down here even in the fall)

 

[archieclement]

If have time McRaven house is a good tour, not much battle related, but a good period related tour, Soldiers rest in the city cemetery, and of course the Missouri Monument which reflects the brother against brother nature of the war

 

[James N.]

Antebellum Cedar Grove is a bed-and-breakfast near the riverfront in downtown Vicksburg that also has a very nice though somewhat pricey dining room for elegant dinners. U. S. Grant visited here after the siege and there's a cannonball that came through the window and floor that's still visible embedded in the basement! (Just ask where it is - they'll tell you!)

 

[alan polk]

Unfortunately, I'll only have a couple hours so its in essence a "fly-by" on my way home to Minnesota. I'll pretty much be just on the battlefield for my time there but I'll take any pointers. I'll make sure I go back there again My family has a property in Florida that we drive to a few times a year so I'm in the area.

Ouch!! Not much time. I agree with the consensus that the Cairo museum should be top of your list.

You could go to the visitor center, see the museum there and the short film, then drive straight through the park to Cairo. Those two places WITHOUT stopping in between will just about be 2 hours worth. On your way out of park, you could stop by Stockade Redan and take some pictures there.

With that time limit, those are the 3 places I suggest. You might could squeeze 2 hours out with those and not regret missing too much.

Anyway, my thoughts..... have fun and share your pictures with us!!

 

[James N.]

Ouch!! Not much time. I agree with the consensus that the Cairo museum should be top of your list.

You could go to the visitor center, see the museum there and the short film, then drive straight through the park to Cairo. Those two places WITHOUT stopping in between will just about be 2 hours worth. On your way out of park, you could stop by Stockade Redan and take some pictures there.

With that time limit, those are the 3 places I suggest. You might could squeeze 2 hours out with those and not regret missing too much.

Anyway, my thoughts..... have fun and share your pictures with us!!

If you did follow Alan's advice, you should at least take the short drive from Cairo up to nearby Fort Hill - the view from there of the Yazoo and Mississippi watersheads is stunning!

 

[alan polk]

If you did follow Alan's advice, you should at least take the short drive from Cairo up to nearby Fort Hill - the view from there of the Yazoo and Mississippi watersheads is stunning!

Good point! Yeah, that would make a perfect picture!! I agree 100%.

 

[Tompre]

Don't forget the Old Courthouse Museum, it is a must see.

 

[Tompre]

Confederate Avenue from Fort Hill to Graveyard Road is closed to all vehicle traffic. All other roads, including the rest of Confederate Ave remains open. Don't know when it will be back open, the Park is trying to get funding for repairs.

 

[TomP]

Yes, the Cairo is worth the visit all by itself. Last time I was there I was fortunate enough to get the "VIP" tour from a fellow Ranger and was able to go under the gunboat and inspect it from the lowest level. The Illinois State Monument is also a fascinating piece of architecture on the battlefield and is a must see.

 

[bdtex]

Ouch!! Not much time. I agree with the consensus that the Cairo museum should be top of your list.

You could go to the visitor center, see the museum there and the short film, then drive straight through the park to Cairo. Those two places WITHOUT stopping in between will just about be 2 hours worth. On your way out of park, you could stop by Stockade Redan and take some pictures there.

With that time limit, those are the 3 places I suggest. You might could squeeze 2 hours out with those and not regret missing too much.

Anyway, my thoughts..... have fun and share your pictures with us!!

@1stMN Having been there for the first time on 2/10/2017,I agree with Alan. If 2 hours is all you have and you want to spend it at Vicksburg NMP,do what he said. You could probably get the Tour App at the Visitor Center and listen to it on the driving tour and not get outta the car except at the Cairo and maybe at the Stockade Redan and maybe do all that in 2 hours.

 

[bdtex]

If you did follow Alan's advice, you should at least take the short drive from Cairo up to nearby Fort Hill - the view from there of the Yazoo and Mississippi watersheads is stunning!

Yes it is.

 

[bdtex]

Don't forget the Old Courthouse Museum, it is a must see.

She said she only has 2 hours. That was an hour,45 minutes stop for me the first time I was there.

 

[TomP]

Before you visit you can download the Vicksburg Battle App. It is put out by the Civil War Trust and does not cost a thing. Th next best thing to having a knowledgeable guide in the car with you: in fact, it is more like having four guides for the price of none. I worked on the Shiloh Battle App and created the Corinth Tour. The CWT people are providing an incredible tool to battlefield trampers.

 

[Tompre]

She said she only has 2 hours. That was an hour,45 minutes stop for me the first time I was there.

Some people were trying to send her to a couple of Antebellum homes, I think the Old Courthouse would be better.

 

[TomP]

Under the paddlewheel, that was quite an experience getting up close and personal.

 

[Tompre]

@1stMN Having been there for the first time on 2/10/2017,I agree with Alan. If 2 hours is all you have and you want to spend it at Vicksburg NMP,do what he said. You could probably get the Tour App at the Visitor Center and listen to it on the driving tour and not get outta the car except at the Cairo and maybe at the Stockade Redan and maybe do all that in 2 hours.

The only way to get to Stockade Redan at this time, is to turn on Graveyard Road from Union Ave.