The RV park was clean and had a decent pool which felt great to cool off in. We would gladly stay there again when passing through Vicksburg.
The Union knew it needed control of the Mississippi River in order to win the war and President Lincoln considered Vicksburg to be the key to ending the war, "The war can never be brought to a close until that key is in our pocket."
Vicksburg National Military Park entrance. |
After forty six days under siege, General Pemberton knew the Confederates could stand no more and surrendered on 4 July, 1863. I was told by a local that Vicksburg did not celebrate the Forth of July holiday for eighty one years until 1945 and it still is not one of their favorite holidays so they hardly do any celebrating for it.
Looking down one of the Union's cannons at Battery De Golyer. |
Cannons lined up at Battery De Golyer named so for being manned by Union Captain Sammual De Golyer. |
Panoramic shot of the battle field between Battery De Golyer on the left and the Confederate lines on the right. |
The USS Cairo was actually the first ship to be sunken by the use of electronic detonated mines. During one of its patrols two Confederate soldiers detonated two of the mines which tore gaping holes in its hull.
USS Cairo on display. |
Tia, Chloe, Avery, Ian, Ethan, and Courtney in front of the USS Cairo. |
Courtney, Tia, Ethan, Avery, Ian, and Chloe standing next to one of the thirteen guns on the USS Cairo. |
The iron plates that were used to protect the USS Cairo. |
The Confederates had oversight of the Mississippi River from the bluffs above Vicksburg and could repeal any attempts the Union made to get up or down the river.
The below view is what the Confederates would have seen except now the waters are from the Yazoo River diversion canal rather than the Mississippi River like it was in 1863. In 1876 the Mississippi river changed its course and now runs at Vicksburg's southern edge of the city.
The view the Confederates had of the Mississippi River back in 1863. |
Another fact that is not well know about Vicksburg is that it was a prisoner-of-war exchange point. April 24, 1865 over 2300 Union soldiers left Vicksburg on the steamboat Sultana heading upstream for home. While near Memphis, Tennessee the boat exploded and killed over 1800 of them which is still today, America's worst maritime disaster.
There is a cover charge, but it is not much and well worth it or if you have a National Parks Pass, you are good to go.
It is great to be back traveling America and visiting its wonders. We are so blessed to have this life that God has provided for us and need to remember to give Him thanks for all things, good and bad. Easier said than done, sometimes.
God bless you all and may He keep you safe!
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Thanks!
Don, Misty, and Kids...
States we have stayed in so far. |
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