During our stay at Grand Gulf Military Park in Port Gibson MS (October 12-22, 2016), we took a trip to Vicksburg National Military Park. What an educational and inspiring park!
One of the more somber highlights was the National Cemetery, 116 acres holding the remains of 17,000 Civil War Union soldiers, more than any other National Cemetery.
The soldiers were buried close to where they died so when this cemetery was established in 1866, the remains were exhumed and reinterred. However, since record-keeping was haphazard, many soldiers' names were lost. About 75% are unknown.
Another highlight of our tour was the restoration of the USS Cairo, an ironclad gunboat that sank when it hit a mine.
It was found, raised and restored over more than 20 years. It was finally transported to Vicksburg where it was placed on a concrete foundation across from the cemetery. It went on display in 1977.
As you can see, I'm fascinated with the angles and mechanisms of this boat.
What a great area - hopefully we'll be back.
But in the meantime, we're off to Murfreesboro AR and Crater of Diamonds State Park!
