Head down to Vicksburg and bring your gal pals and buddies for a flashback to American history, lots of outdoor recreation, an exciting culinary scene, and four riverside casinos. Check out their seafood, Southern specialties, and farm-to-table cuisine. Stop in their local art galleries and meet the artists who create incredible works from paintings to folk art. There is a lot to love in this historic Southern town.
The Battlegrounds of the Civil War
During the great American Civil War in 1863, President Abraham Lincoln said, “Vicksburg is the key. The war can never be brought to a close until that key is in our pocket.” Turns out, he was right.
Strategically located on the Yazoo and Mississippi Rivers, Vicksburg is forever identified with this great Civil War Battle, known as the “Siege of Vicksburg.” The 1863 battle lasted 47 days and turned the tide of the war for the North, when General Pemberton surrendered on July 4. The name remains with Vicksburg today as the “Key City.”
The highlight is the beautiful and serene Vicksburg National Military Park which serves as a memorial park to those who fought on both sides of the Civil War. Opened in 1899, the park features more than 1,300 monuments and memorial markers. The largest memorial comes from Illinois which sent more than 33,000 troops to fight the war. The impressive Illinois memorial has 47 steps to the top, commemorating the 47 days of the siege.
The park came about when a group of veterans from both sides staged a reunion in 1917. “It was from this reunion that the idea of a more permanent memorial of the Civil War was created,” said Andrew Miller, lead ranger told us. “The park was designed as a reconciliation of the North and South,” he said.
Open every day, visitors can arrange for private tour of the park by licensed guides to tell them about the park’s history. Come early as the park is filled with walkers, joggers, and bicyclists who enjoy crossing the park’s many hills and valleys. Or, you could join them.
Start at the Visitor’s Center to watch the movie, “Here Brothers Fought” about the battle and get a better understanding of the Civil War in general. I recommend downloading the VNMP app to help you get around and follow the map for the markers.
My favorite statue in the park is the “African American Monument” designed by Dr. J. Kim Sessums, installed in 2004. It features two African American men as Union soldiers and a farmhand whose freedom they sought. The freed man is looking towards the future.
A great way to tour the antebellum homes and historic buildings is with Bertram and Carol Hayes Davis of Vicksburg Old Town Tours. Bertram is actually the great-grandson of Jefferson Davis, president of the Confederacy and his tour gives you special insight into his own family as well as the South. You’ll see magnificent Tiffany Stained Glass Windows, admire JD’s rocking chair and visit Duff Green Mansion, and more.
The new kid on the block is the Mulberry Hotel, which offers a combination of hotel, air B&B and residences. Incorporating its French heritage with contemporary amenities, the hotel features a great pool, fitness center and bistro. Take a walk outside to see the 32-pictorial murals alongside the riverfront, created by Robert Dafford that tell of Vicksburg’s history.
Favorite Dines
Vicksburg is somewhat of a foodie town. Try Main Street Market Café, open for lunch Monday – Friday from 11 – 2. This is fresh food like you can only imagine with made-from-scratch quiches, soups and pies. Try Betty’s Biscuits, Gumbo and Chocolate Chunky Pecan Pie.
Relish Bistro in downtown Vicksburg has been voted one of the city’s best Italian restaurants. Owned by brothers James and Jason Penley, recommended dishes include Maple Brussel Sprouts and house-made pastas.
Get your fill of “eating Southern” at the Walnut Hills Restaurant known for their authentic, world-famous Southern Plantation cuisine. Blue plate specials include meat and three veggies. Try their mashed sweet potatoes or Southern Grits. Top it all off with Coconut Pie.
Located in historic downtown Vicksburg, 10 South Rooftop Bar & Grill is a relaxed casual restaurant and bar with exquisite rooftop views of the rivers and Mississippi/Louisana shoreline. Loved the Fried Green Tomatoes and burgers.
Take a walk downtown and visit the art galleries like H.C. Porter’s Gallery that feature colorful portraits of Southern musicians. Check out the Attic Gallery with countless treasures of Southern folk art from curator Leslie Silver. The Jackson Street Gallery at the Mulberry features an extensive variety of art by Mississippi’s finest artists under the direction of Paula Jackson.
While you’re downtown, stop in at the Vicksburg Civil War Museum and peruse the millions of Civil War artifacts from the collection of Charles Pendleton. Check out the rifles, ammunition, uniforms, dioramas and more that tell the story of the American Civil War.
Be sure to stop at the two Vicksburg Bridges that cross the Mississippi into Louisiana for exquisite views. One bridge is used for vehicles, the other for rail. Then, head down the road and enjoy the four Vicksburg casinos. For more information, go to visitvicksburg.com
