News Release

Celebrating the 160th Anniversary of the Vicksburg Campaign: Licensed Battlefield Guide Lecture Series

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News Release Date: March 29, 2023

Contact: Andrew R. Miller, 601-636-0583 Ex: 2967

VICKSBURG, MS - Vicksburg National Military Park and Friends of Vicksburg National Military Park and Campaign are commencing the 160th Anniversary of the Vicksburg Campaign's commemorative events with free engaging presentations conducted by Vicksburg National Military Park Licensed Battlefield Guides about this historic park and city's importance during the American Civil War. All programs will be held on Saturdays throughout April at 4:00PM in the park’s Visitor Center auditorium located at 3201 Clay St. These presentations will last between 30-40 minutes in length with time for questions at the end.

“What a perfect way to kick of this important commemoration than to have our licensed battlefield guides demonstrate their passion for history and Vicksburg National Military Park” says Superintendent Carrie Mardorf. "“For decades, the licensed battlefield guide program has connected thousands of visitors to this amazing park and city. It only seems proper for them to carry us into our 160th anniversary programming.”

On Saturday, April 1, 2023 at 4:00PM, renowned former Mississippi Department of Archives and History historian Jim Woodrick will kick off the lecture series with the first presentation. His program, titled “A Curious Cast of Characters: The Union and Confederate division commanders in the Vicksburg Campaign." Mr. Woodrick will discuss the diversity of leadership on display in both Union and Confederate armies during the Vicksburg Campaign.

Other lecture series programs will be:

Saturday, April 15, 2023 at 4:00PM - Harry McMillin: "Ulysses S. Grant: American Hero," discussing the life and legacy of the 18th President of the United States with an emphasis on his military and political careers.

Saturday, April 22, 2023 at 4:00PM – John Groy: "John C. Pemberton: Defender of Vicksburg," discussing the controversial Confederate commander of the Department of Mississippi and East Louisiana's leadership and management of the Confederate operations during the Vicksburg Campaign.

Saturday, April 29, 2023 at 4:00PM – Don Milner: "Rear Admiral David Glasgow Farragut and the 1862 Mississippi River Campaign," describing the complexities of Federal policy for controlling inland waterways including the Mississippi River and the outcome of the United States naval efforts to capture Vicksburg in the spring and summer of 1862.

Interested individuals looking for more information on these and all of the special commemorative events can find them at: www.nps.gov/vick/special-events.htm

The Vicksburg Campaign was a major milestone on the road to the final success of the Union army in the Civil War and the ultimate reunification of the nation. Learn more at www.nps.gov/vick, and on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube.



Last updated: March 30, 2023

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Mailing Address:

3201 Clay Street
Vicksburg, MS 39183

Phone:

601 636-0583

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