A civil war battleground and 'key to the south' – an expert guide to Vicksburg
Why go?
Described by Abraham Lincoln as the 'key to the south' during the Civil War, this heritage – including the 47-day siege – is explained through monuments, museums and living history attractions. Vicksburg, first settled in the 1700s, also boasts old churches, railroad and transport history, eclectic shops and galleries.
Cruise port location
The port lies at the mouth of the Yazoo River where it enters the Mississippi. There is ample docking space alongside a park with a series of riverside murals tracing the city’s history. Cruise lines run shuttle buses up and down the steep hill leading to the city centre.
Can I walk to any places of interest?
For all but the most energetic passengers, it’s best to take the shuttle to reach the old town where it’s easy to stroll around on foot. Sightseeing highlights such as the National Military Park are situated further out and can only be reached by coach or public transport.
Getting around
NRoute’s minibuses and trolleys run to places of interest – playing music by Delta Blues musicians en route. There are guided walking tours of the historic district, or pick up the free Vicksburg Heritage Walking Trails’ brochure from the tourist information office. The National Military Park also offers hiking and walking trails.
What to see and do
The 1863 Battle of Vicksburg played a pivotal role in the American Civil War, and a top sight is Vicksburg National Military Park depicting the siege and defence of the city hugging the eastern bank of the Mississippi. Visitors can also discover charming historic homes and stroll through the Old Town.
What can I do in four hours or less?
All cruise lines run excursions to Vicksburg National Military Park, combining a coach tour along the 16-mile tour road and walking to key sights. There are more than 1,400 memorials dotted throughout the hilly terrain and also of interest is the imposing USS Cairo, salvaged from the Mississippi and the only surviving wartime ironclad gunboat.
History and transport buffs can make tracks to the Old Depot Museum. In addition to the only diorama of the Siege of Vicksburg, with 2,000 miniature soldiers, it has the world’s largest collection of ship models including naval vessels and riverboats.
Explore ‘Ol Man River on dry land at the Jesse Brent Lower Mississippi River Museum with displays on the Great Mississippi Flood of 1927 – the most destructive flood in the history of America – the efforts made to control the mighty waterway and an aquarium of river fish.
An original teddy bear given to a local child by Theodore ‘Teddy’ Roosevelt and the tie worn by Jefferson Davis at his inauguration as Confederate president are among the diverse artefacts at the Old Court House Museum, built in 1858 and the city’s oldest public building.
What can I do in eight hours or less?
Situated in five acres of formal gardens overlooking the Mississippi, Cedar Grove Mansion is open daily for tours. The grand rooms are furnished with original antiques and gas-lit chandeliers and a Union cannonball is still lodged in the parlour wall.
Eat and drink
In 1894 the Biedenharn family first bottled the world’s most famous soft drink. The Biedenharn Coca-Cola Museum includes a reproduction of the bottling equipment and a candy store selling ice cream, fountain Cokes and soda floats. Elsewhere, there are numerous restaurants serving everything from Southern-style barbecued pork to soul food.
Don’t leave Vicksburg without…
Open daily, Levee Street Marketplace is a good spot to pick up local artwork, crafts and jewellery. The two shops at the National Military Park sell all manner of Civil War books and memorabilia.
Need to know
Flight time from the UK
9hrs 55min (New Orleans) direct; 11hrs 55mins (Jackson) with connecting flight.
Safety/crime
Tourist areas are very safe.
Best time to go
Summer is hot and muggy. Spring and autumn are the most comfortable times to cruise.
Opening hours
Attractions open daily.
