National Parks / Vicksburg National Military Park
Vicksburg National Military Park
National Military Park — MS,LA
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.
Current Alerts
- Park ClosureIllinois Memorial Closed for Restoration
The memorial itself closed for restoration starting on September 16, 2025. Starting on March 2, 2026, access to Tour Stops 2 and 3 will be temporarily closed. The closure point will be at the Shirley House. Visitors will still be able to continue north along Union Avenue and access the remainder of the Tour Road. This section will remain closed for the duration of the Illinois Memorial Restoration. The project is expected to be completed by September 2026.
More info → - Park ClosureNational Cemetery Closed to Vehicles; Open to Pedestrians
Due to weather related incidents, Vicksburg National Cemetery is closed to vehicular traffic, however it is open to pedestrians. Visitor can park in the adjacent USS Cairo parking lot and walk into the cemetery.
- Park ClosureLouisiana Circle Closed
Louisiana Circle is closed to vehicles and pedestrians due to slope instability. Navy Circle is open and also provides views of the Mississippi River.
Source: National Park Service.