The 1863 surrender of Vicksburg, Mississippi in what is now known as the Vicksburg Campaign, played a significant role in the turning point of the American Civil War. The campaign lasted about 7 months before the Confederates surrendered the city to the Union. The entire city is dotted with memorials and signs, marking key battles in significant locations.

There are cannons all over the city.

After arriving in Vicksburg and checking into the Cedar Grove Mansion, we drove around the city exploring the markers, the historical buildings, antique shops, and even explored the Vicksburg National Military Park during the evening when all lights were out. It was interesting at night, but our visual was limited. So during the morning, we drove through the park when the sun was out.

The mini museum.

Cannons

This is a Parrott Rifle. I didn't know rifles were this big.

Memorial Arch, the entrance to the park.

Cannons on the battlefield (Battery DeGolyer).

The Shirley House, the only remaining wartime structure in the Military Park.

All of the buildings surrounding this house were burned. This remained because the soldier ordered to burn it down was shot before he could carry out the order. During occupation, it served as a Union Army smallpox hospital.

Illinois Memorial

Inside the Illinois Memorial

17,000 graves, of which 13,000 are marked only by a number as the soldier buried beneath is unknown.