Yesterday morning, we rented a car to explore the city. We first headed downtown to see the famous murals that depict the history of Vicksburg. They are absolutely beautiful and so life like.
They also have a flood marker.
After driving around downtown and seeing many beautiful, old buildings, we headed out Vicksburg National Military Park. It marks the battle of Vicksburg in 1863. The siege lasted 47 days. Taking control of the Mississippi River combined with the battle at Gettysburg were the major turning points of the Civil War. This park is the most well marked battlefield of any in the world. There are over 1300 monuments.
The USS Cairo is also on display in the park. It's an iron clad gunboat used by the Union. It was sunk by the Confederates in 1862 in the Yazoo River. The wreck was discovered in 1956 and was finally raised in 1965. It was brought to this site in 1977.
Vicksburg is a city steeped in history and there's so much we didn't get to explore. We hope to return here some day to check out the rest. But for now, I need to finish my coffee so we can hit the road. This coffee quote seems appropriate to me since Mr. Flaubert lived during the Civil War.
"Coffee: Induces wit. Good only if it comes through Havre. After a big dinner party it is taken standing up. Take it without sugar -- very swank: gives the impression you have lived in the East."
~Gustave Flaubert (1821-1880)
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