Vicksburg, MS

[archbarb]

We are planning a trip to Vicksburg, MS next month. Would like to know what is a must do. Looking forward to the Old Courthouse Museum and the Vicksburg Nat'l Military Park, and other items of interest.
Thanks

 

[Rusk County Avengers]

I can think of several musts.

The Old Courthouse is a must, The Vicksburg Civil War Museum on Washington St. I think it was is a must go. He also sells ice cream...

In the National Park, I personally recommend Fort Hill, Fort Garrott, the USS Cairo Museum are all musts but then again everything there is. Also for places to eat, I recommend Beechwoods.

As for nearby sites to Vicksburg, Raymond is a good place to stop by, and of course Port Gibson, Champion Hill, etc.

Here's a thread from the 2019 CWT Muster in Vicksburg for a good idea of great stops:

CWT Invades Vicksburg 2019 Tour - We Are Live | Traveler's Companion - Visit Historic Sites

@rebel brit James N. @mkyzzzrdet @archieclement and @alan polk as Guide at Fort Cobun,Grand Gulf Military Park,Port Gibson,MS

civilwartalk.com

 

[7th Mississippi Infantry]

Be sure to first check what is open or closed within the park.

Due to weather over the last few years, erosion of many roads has created multiple issues.
However, the USS Cairo is indeed a "must see".

 

[bdtex]

Cedar Hill Cemetery for sure.

 

[Booklady]

I second the mention of Cedar Hill Cemetery. Besides an extensive area set aside for Confederate graves, a different section dedicated to the Catholic nuns of the city is very moving. There is a lovely statue of the Virgin Mary, and a look at the nuns' simple gravestones shows that many were young convent women -- 18, 19, 20 years old -- who died in the yellow fever epidemic in the late 1800s (1870s? 80s?) as they served as nurses and became ill as well. The Sisters of Mercy convent building still stands as part of the Southern Cultural Heritage complex. The sisters first arrived in Vicksburg in 1862, if memory serves, and were an important part of education and nursing in the city into the 1990s.

Also visit the floodwall to see the murals. Go through the open section to see the back of the wall, where the heights of the most historic floods have been marked. It's amazing to see how high the river got!!

If it survived the covid shutdowns, Walnut Hills restaurant is a great place for a meal. And take a drive up Washington Street along the original Highway 61 to view what remains of Margaret's Grocery. As you drive up that part old 61 you'll get a different view of the Vicksburg National Cemetery on your right.

Such a wonderful little city! Enjoy your visit!

 

[7th Mississippi Infantry]

Walnut Hills restaurant is a great place for a meal.

for places to eat, I recommend Beechwoods.

Both of these are great restaurants !

But don't overlook 10 South Rooftop Bar & Grill.
There's nothing better than watching a sunset over the Mississippi River from atop a Vicksburg rooftop patio on one of the tallest buildings in that town.

The libations and steaks have been phenomenal each time I've dined there.

It's not formal, but so much fun !

10 South Rooftop Bar & Grill - Restaurants - Vicksburg MS

Steaks & Seafood Dining

visitvicksburg.com

 

[davepi2]

Windsor Ruins, Grand Gulf (if not flooded which it was when I was there in April). Port Gibson (the presbyterian church is a must). Bayou Pierre Presbyterian Church at Bayou Pierre overlook should be stopped at. If path to it is closed off as it was when I was there in April then there is a marker that marks the right flank of the Confederate position which will give you a good idea of what the battle must have been like at that place on the battlefield. Willow Creek marker is on Bessie Weathers road and I wouldn't recommend going there. It is paved but a narrow road that is in poor condition. Don't try the Shaifer House unless you have a four wheel drive and it would be best even if you did to have someone who knows exactly how to get there. Raymond of course is a must. On the way The Old Sunken Trace is easy to find and not far from Rocky Springs. If you take the Old Port Gibson Road ( a questionable but drivable road you will find the Dillon Plantation where Grant decided to march on Jackson, only a marker there but it was important. There isn't much to see at Champion Hill, the markers are pretty much gone at the Coker House. Still stop there as well as The Tighlman Monument and the Lower Crossing at Bakers Creek. Don't and I stress don't take Buck Reed Road to the Champion House site of The Crossroads, you may not get back the road is so bad. Find an alternate way if you want to visit those places. Another non Civil War stop that I would recommend would be the Mississippi River Basin Scale model just outside Clinton. The Mississippi River Museum is good and it is FREE. The Civil War Museum downtown is also a very good one. As mentioned previously the riverfront murals should be seen if you have the time. Grant's Canal of course. Nightlife, well if you are looking for blues you won't get it at The Bottleneck Blues Club, they play Country at that Blues bar. There is a great series of videos about 20 years old of Terry Wenchel hosting a tour of the campaign. It helped me out a lot with my research for my two trips, well worth checking out. The picture below is a good example of why you don't want to try The Shaifer House.

 

[7th Mississippi Infantry]

This is a great description of what one may experience if traveling to these sites.

I would always suggest a local guide for anyone unfamiliar with the backroads.

Did you discover Rodney ?

Haunted by a Ghost Town: The Lure of Rodney, Mississippi

Your default description here

www.mississippifolklife.org

That "Ghost Town" does require a local guide ... in most cases ... for anyone not familiar with those backroads.

There is never an issue getting to the Windsor ruins.
And for the most part , Grand Gulf is also easy to get to as well, but always at the mercy of the Mississippi River during the Spring flood season.

Don't try the Shaifer House unless you have a four wheel drive and it would be best even if you did to have someone who knows exactly how to get there.

That's what I'm talking about.

 

[UCVRelics]

as @7th Mississippi Infantry stated the 10 Top is a must and the new Vicksburg Civil War museum is also a must.

Home - Vicksburg Civil War Museum

 

[Pollaco]

It can't be done in one visit.You will still have places to see when your time and money run out,but do enjoy yourself.If time allows short trips the surrounding areas are also a good possibility. Port Gibson is a good example. Grant said it was "too beautiful to burn". It's Presbyterian church with the "Golden Hand" is a must see. I have never been inside but I read somewhere that the chandeliers are from the steamboat "Robert E. Lee"

 

[7th Mississippi Infantry]

That "Ghost Town" does require a local guide ... in most cases ... for anyone not familiar with those backroads.

I forgot to add, even some of my "buds" that have hunting camps in close proximity to Rodney still get lost trying to find the place after severe weather. (Floods/erosion and such).

The entire landscape can change overnight.

 

[Pollaco]

It was mentioned on this forum several years ago and it's still good advice.Beware of Yellowjackets and other Wasps when looking into the muzzle of the numerous cannons on display.You
just may go home with a memory or "souvenir" that you didn't want.

 

[7th Mississippi Infantry]

It's Presbyterian church with the "Golden Hand" is a must see. I have never been inside but I read somewhere that the chandeliers are from the steamboat "Robert E. Lee"

You are correct about the Presbyterian church in Port Gibson
The chandeliers are from the famous riverboat !

The "Golden Hand" remains the centerpiece in 2022.
Every few years it's removed for maintenance, but it's the same "Golden Hand" General Grant & his troops saw
during 1863.

It's actually larger than most folks think:

Port Gibson's Golden Hand Points Heavenward

The hand on top of First Presbyterian Church of Port Gibson has been restored.

msfarmcountry.com

Grant said it was "too beautiful to burn".

LOL !

That was a marketing tool introduced by the Chamber of Commerce back in the 1960's ...
(Civil War Centennial) days.

Heck, Grant wanted to get away from Port Gibson as fast as he could. That town was never in his "playbook".
They had already given him a bloody nose, so I doubt he was taking notes about the pretty mansions.

 

[7th Mississippi Infantry]

It's Presbyterian church with the "Golden Hand" is a must see

Forgot to add, a friend of mine was an independent insurance adjuster for that church.
Once per year, an inspection was required.

This was years before drones, so an up close and personal helicopter inspection
was determined to be the most cost effective method for inspection.

My friend said it was "mind blowing" how many random shots had hit the golden hand.

Seems many idiots in Southwest Mississippi consider the hand to be a target.
(Like a redneck shooting a stop-sign)

 

[Booklady]

It can't be done in one visit.You will still have places to see when your time and money run out,but do enjoy yourself.If time allows short trips the surrounding areas are also a good possibility. Port Gibson is a good example. Grant said it was "too beautiful to burn". It's Presbyterian church with the "Golden Hand" is a must see. I have never been inside but I read somewhere that the chandeliers are from the steamboat "Robert E. Lee"

You are so correct that it can't be done in one visit! It's best to just move there for a while!

The Port Gibson Catholic church with the blue windows is also incredible. It dates to before the War and has a balcony where the enslaved who would attend with their owning families had to sit. In addition to the unique windows, it has lots of beautiful carved woodwork, particularly at the altar rail. There is something clicking in my memory that there was a connection between that woodwork and the Presbyterian carved hand pointing skyward, but I can't remember what it was.

https://misspreservation.com/2012/01/20/going-inside-st-joseph-catholic-church-and-its-blue-glow/

 

[7th Mississippi Infantry]

The Port Gibson Catholic church with the blue windows is also incredible. It dates to before the War

Anyone visiting Port Gibson, Mississippi ... should a least spend a few minutes within that church.

Late afternoon is my favorite time to visit. The setting sun and blue stained glass combine
to create a surreal effect.

This church is included in a brief overview of the Port Gibson area:

Must-See Mississippi: Port Gibson

A guide to must-visit sights in the Port Gibson, Mississippi area.

wanderwisdom.com

 

[UCVRelics]

Very Nice Photos. Thanks for sharing them.