Mississippi Things to Do Tips by keeweechic

Vicksburg is in Warren County, western Mississippi and was founded in 1811. It is largely situated on bluffs overlooking the Mississippi and Yazoo rivers which played a large part in the economy and building of the city. Today it is still a major river port and serves as a commercial and manufacturing centre for the surrounding cotton, timber, and livestock areas

Vicksburg contributed greatly to American history in the role she played in the Civil War. It was the scene of a 47 day siege by Union troops under General Ulysses S. Grant who captured Vicksburg and marked a turning point in the war. There is a lot of monuments, markers and memorials which relate to this period.

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Address: Vicksburg, Warren County
Website: http://www.virtualtourist.com/m/130fa/c8a48/

The first place to visit is the Vicksburg Visitor Centre. Not only for the brochures and information, complimentary soda or coffee (or perhaps the comfort stop) but also because the centre sits on the bluff right between the two bridges spanning the Mississippi.

Along from the Visitor's Centre overlooking the Mississippi River is the River Park Cannon.

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Address: Washington Street, Vicksburg

Washington Street runs parallel to the river and there are many small museums and some great little shops as well as many other attractions. Good street to drive along and stop at will. The Gray & Blue Naval Museum is on Washington. This Museum has the worlds largest collection of Civil War gunboat models and the only diorama of the Siege of Vicksburg, with 2,500 miniature soldiers depicting the battle. Across the road is the Biedenharn Museum of Coca-Cola Memorabilia. Coca Cola was first bottled here in 1894. The Museum contains reproduction bottling works. The candy store has been restored in the 1890 look of its day and sells fountain cokes, ice cream floats, homemade candy and Mississippi-made Fords dipped ice cream which of course we had to try. The gift shop has over one hundred Coca Cola items for sale.

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Address: Washington Street, Vicksburg

The courthouse is Vicksburg's most historic building. It was built in 1858 by slaves and has welcomed many great Americans such as Theodore Roosevelt, U.S Grant, Jefferson Davis, Booker T. Washington, William McKinley, and John Breckinridge. In 1863 on July 4th, the Confederate flag was taken down and the U.S. Flag was raised. The artefacts within this National Landmark help tell Vicksburg's past. There is also a gift shop.

Hours: 8:30 a.m.- 4:30 p.m., Mon. - Sat.; 1:30-4:30 p.m. Sun.; open until 5:00 p.m. during Daylight Savings Time.

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Address: 1008 Cherry Street, Vicksburg

Vicksburg National Military Park was established in 1899 to honour one of the most important battles of the American Civil War which was the siege and defence of Vicksburg. The 1,728 acre park is a lasting memorial to all the soldiers and civilians who suffered and were killed throughout the conflict of the Civil War.

The battlefield is in an excellent state of preservation and displays 1,325 historic monuments and markers. There are 20 miles of reconstructed trenches and earthworks. Once you arrive at the Visitors centre, there is an 18 minute film which recounts the campaign which is shown on the hour and half hour. You can then begin your 16 mile self-tour drive through the park with the map the centre will give you.

Open: Visitors Centre: 8a.m.-5p.m, daily, USS Cairo Museum: 8:30 a.m .- 5:00 p.m., Nov. - March: 9:30 a.m. - 6:00 p.m., April - October. Closed Christmas Day.

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Address: 3201 Clay Street, Vicksburg
Website: http//www.nps.gov/vick

Port Gibson lies in the Kudzu (vine) covered hills of Claiborne County, just off the Natchez Trace. Union General U.S. Grant declared Port Gibson as "The town too beautiful to burn." during his drive to lay siege to Vicksburg. The city is a monument in itself to a prosperous time during the reign of King Cotton. There are many grand homes down tree lined streets and it is Mississippi's third oldest city.

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Address: Port Gibson, Claiborne County
Website: http://www.virtualtourist.com/m/130fa/c87e2/

The Ruins of Windsor are located 12 miles southwest of Port Gibson on Hwy 552. These are the ruins of mansion built in 1860. In 1890 the main structure was destroyed by fire leaving only these magnificent stately columns and a reminder of its grand presence. The home is reported to be the largest Greek Revival Antebellum ever built in Mississippi.

The ruins have appeared in several films including Raintree County and the more recent film Ghosts of Mississippi . There is no charge for admission - there is no one out there - you feel out in the "wop-wops" but whoever looks after the property keeps the grounds tidy and trimmed. Beware the Mosquitoes out there as well in the summer months.

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Address: Highway 552 - just off US 61, Port Gibson

Natchez had its beginnings almost 300 years ago and is the oldest civilised settlement on the River. Previously the area was inhabited by prehistoric Indians then later by the Natchez Indians.

The French settled first in 1716, followed by the British in 1763, the Spanish in 1779 and finally by the Americans in 1798. Much of her rich history is the nation's history and is preserved in her wonderful buildings and antebellum homes. Natchez covers 14 sq miles and is the county sea of Adams County.

The city sits about 195 feet above sea level and so does not suffer problems with floods as many of other southern cities do. Natchez became the first capital of the Mississippi Territory in 1798 and was the first capital of the new state of Mississippi in 1817.

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Address: Natchez, Adams County
Website: http://www.virtualtourist.com/m/130fa/c86b2/

There are a huge amount of historic homes and buildings in the downtown area - a lot predate the Civil War era and most are listed on the National Registry of Historic Homes. Streets are lined with live oak and southern magnolia trees, many of them over 250 years old.

The Rosalie is a wonderful Federal style mansion which is encircled by an antique cypress picket fence. The grounds adjoins the Bicentennial Garden which is a four acre park overlooking the Mississippi. The mansion is just above the Under The Hill area also. The site was chosen by the French for the first settlement on the river in 1716 and named Fort Rosalie in honour of the Duchess de Pontchartrain.

The Rosalie Mansion was built in 1820-23 as a dream home of Peter and Eliza Little. The house still has original furnishings and is listed on the National Historic Trust. Tours are available daily.
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Address: Natchez

Natchez Under-The-Hill was a flatboat and steamboat landing at the turn of the nineteenth century, famous for its saloons, gaming halls and lawless behaviour from outlaws and pirates. Its reputation was "the most notorious spot on the Mississippi River."

The wealthy residents of Natchez lived above the hill and could look down on the rougher elements of river life which produced a steady flow of activity on the wharves and in the warehouses.

Today, much of the area has been washed away by the river but Silver Street is still busy a busy place with restaurants, drinking holes and tourists. The Isle of Casino is also there. The street has also been used in scenes for films such as "North and South", and Disney's "Huck Finn".

It is reported to still harbour ghosts from the 1700's and 1800's with one sighting being of a man in a military uniform who was thought to be an American spy and who gave secrets to the Spanish when they were in control of the territory. Ghosts of several Spanish soldiers have also been seen as well as outlaw John Murrel, who stole and resold slaves in the 1800's and was lynched by an angry mob.
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Address: Silver Street, Under the Hill, Natchez