We began our day at the Vicksburg Visitor Center overlooking the Mississippi. The interior was done up in period furniture and quite lovely.
The back terrace overlooked the Mississippi and the bridge that Ron used to cross when he was a long-distance truck driver working for his Father. He always told the story about how narrow the bridge was and that in order to pass another truck without hitting the side mirrors he would have to drive so close to the curbing the tires would rub. He was discussing that with one of the volunteers in the visitor center and she did state that many truckers had either lost mirrors or had them bent back.
The bridge has been replaced but the old bridge is still standing. Local residents would like it made into a walking/bicycling bridge but the politicians cannot make a decision on those options.
The bridge road is top right and was two-way traffic. A railroad track to the left resulted in both train and vehicle traffic at the same time. The train track is still in use.
“From the start of the Civil War , control of the Mississippi River South of Cairo, Ill., was vitally important to the federal government. Controlling it would let Union troops and supplies pass into the South. It would isolate Texas, Arkansas, and most of Louisiana - a region crucial to supplies and recruits. …… Set on a bluff overlooking a river bend, Vicksburg was protected by riverfront artillery batteries, a maze of swamps and bayous to the north and south, and a ring of forts with 172 guns guarding all land approaches. President Abraham Lincoln called Vicksburg “the key”. He believed “the war can never be brought to a close until that key is in our pocket.’ “ The surrender of Vicksburg was the turning point in the Civil War and the rest is history.
Next we stopped at the Biedenharn Candy Company where Coca—Cola was bottled for the very first time in 1894, now housing the Museum of Coca Cola History and Memorabilia.
In the summer of 1984, Joseph Biedenharn, a young candy merchant had an idea and took the popular fountain drink called Coca-Cola and shipped it into the rural areas outside the Vicksburg city limits.
It was a totally new concept of marketing the beverage and established the cornerstone of the independent network of franchised bottlers who now distribute bottled Coca-Cola all over the world.
The authentically restored candy store and office area features furnishings and displays of the 1890s.
Memorabilia and the filler table used to fill the Coca-Cola bottles.
One of the older residences in Vicksburg.
We decided to stop and check out the Old Courthouse Museum. The Old Court House stands on one of the highest hills in the city, dominating the Vicksburg skyline and Vicksburg history. Union troops raised the Stars and Stripes on July 4, 1863, signifying an end to the 47 day siege.
The museum held many artifacts from the pre , during and post Civil War. There were four rooms on the first floor and five on the second floor.
Below is the original mechanism for the tower court house clock. When the clock was destroyed by a tornado they replaced it with an electric clock.
Courtroom with ornate cast iron judge’s dias and railings on the second floor.
I’m not sure if I mentioned that the temp is 92 degrees with at least the same humidity. It is very uncomfortable but we decided to head down to the Vicksburg Riverfront Park to look at the murals painted on the the floodwall on Levee Street. The 32 life-like pictorial murals depict periods of history that developed the city. The murals were spectacular and really captured the essence of what created, destroyed and recreated Vicksburg. Below are only five of the 32 murals we viewed. They were absolutely incredible.
After viewing the waterfront murals we decided to take in the Vicksburg National Military Park. We had a map of Vicksburg but could not find the entrance despite following the directions on the map. Ron is the true navigator and HE couldn’t find the entrance. After driving through some really run down neighborhoods ( some very scary) we managed to find the park.
We messed up and didn’t get a picture of the entrance to the park. The park commemorates the campaign, siege, and defense of Vicksburg in 1863 and includes over 1, 340 monuments, markers and plaques, a 16 mile road, a restored Union gunboat and a National Cemetery.
A few of the many Monuments:
Inside the Rotunda
Looking Up to the Opening in the Rotunda
The long walk up those stairs – Yes in the 92 degree heat and hot sun – but well worth it.
Another beautiful monument and stairs!
Every monument was spectacular in it’s own way. Along the road were markers depicting where the Union and Confederate troops lined up in battle.
Massachusetts Monument
We spent about two hours driving through and stopping at the various monuments and battle sites. Then we stopped at the Cairo Museum.
After completing our tour we went to the Visitor Center to watch the video. Unfortunately we missed the first half but enjoyed what we did get to see. It was a long hot day and we were looking forward to a cooling shower. Tomorrow we will head out to Port Gibson to check out the Grand Gulf Military Monument and the Windsor Ruins.
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