Guest Author - Karon Warren

Looking over the Mississippi River in Vicksburg, Miss., this solemn park provides both an educational and a peaceful experience. Commemorating the campaign, siege and defense of Vicksburg during the Civil War, the park encompasses the battlefield grounds, a restored Union gunboat, a national cemetery and a visitor center.

Scattered along a 16-mile tour road through the battleground, 1,330 monuments–including 30 state memorials–recognize and honor the memory of both the Confederate and Union soldiers who served their divided country during this historically turbulent period in history. Seeing and examining these tributes is a solemn and stoic event, one I highly recommend to everyone who travels to this area of the Southcentral United States.

Another point of interest in the park is the U.S.S. Cairo Gunboat and Museum. A union ironclad commanded by Thomas O. Selfridge Jr., the vessel sunk on Dec. 12, 1862, after hitting two underwater torpedoes in the Yazoo River north of Vicksburg. After resting there for 102 years, the Cairo was raised in 1964 and, after a lengthy progress, restored. Many artifacts also were recovered from the site, and can be seen on display at the museum.

At the visitor center, visitors can learn more about the fight for Vicksburg through an orientation film and several exhibits regarding the Civil War. The facility also features a bookstore, restrooms and local area information.

To get the most from your visit, I recommend coming to the park when the weather is clear. If you’re like me, you’ll want to stop along the tour road several times to check out the monuments and memorials more closely. Plus, for me, a clear, sunny day enhances the experience, startling in its total contrast to the horrifying bloodshed that must have occurred on this now hallowed ground.

The Vicksburg National Military Park is open year-round, except for Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day. To learn more or to plan your trip, visit www.nps.gov./vick.