Vicksburg National Military Park • MS,LA

Union cannon aimed at Confederate lines

Stars behind the Illinois State Memorial

Roses in bloom in front of the Shirley House

Park Ranger in Civil War Uniform Talks to Crowd

To Confederate President Jefferson Davis, Vicksburg was the "nailhead that holds the South's two halves together." President Abraham Lincoln remarked "Vicksburg is the key" to victory, and could be the north's lifeline into the south. As the federals closed in on the Fortress City, they were met by a ring of forts with over 170 cannon. The resulting battle would determine the war's outcome.

The Union artillery played a major role in the outcome of the Vicksburg Campaign.
NPS Photo

Stars gleam behind the Illinois State Memorial.
NPS Photo

Roses in bloom in front of the Shirley House, the only remaining Civil War structure in the park.
NPS Photo

A park ranger in a Union Civil War uniform talks to a crowd of visitors.
NPS Photo

Hours and seasons

Reservations and timed entry

Fees and passes

An America the Beautiful Access pass lying on top of a park brochure.

Information about admission fees, academic fee waivers, and park passes.

A black and white image of living history staff members firing a cannon.

Watch, "Here Brothers Fought: The Siege of Vicksburg", which commemorates the campaign, siege, and defense of Vicksburg.

A bronze relief sculpture of man behind a cannon

Explore the places, people and stories that make Vicksburg.

Large black tarps lay near a headstone in an affected area in the National Cemetery.

Find out about the various efforts being made to rehabilitate and preserve the park and how they may impact your visit.

Rows of American flags and tombstones in a grass field

Vicksburg National Cemetery is the final resting place to over 17,000 veterans

Missouri state monument pictured in mid afternoon.

Over 1400 monuments and memorials dot the landscape at Vicksburg, each a work of art honoring the veterans of the siege.

Historic 1862 photo of the USS CAIRO

A part of the Brown Water Navy, the story of the USS Cairo helps explore the vital role the US Navy played in the campaign for Vicksburg.

A phone held up with information about a location within the park

Plan and enrich your visit to Vicksburg National Military Park with the Official NPS App. Explore Park history and audio tour options.

A park ranger discussing the military operations during the Vicksburg Campaign to seven soldiers.

Military groups looking to participate in an educational staff ride with a park ranger or licensed battlefield guide.

A Junior Ranger badge and the Junior Ranger booklet

Become a Junior Ranger and learn how to get the next generation involved.

Last updated: May 11, 2026

Contact Info

Mailing Address:

3201 Clay Street
Vicksburg, MS 39183

Phone:

601 636-0583

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