Civil War Explored

October 18-21, 2013

 

I have to start this section with I think my Mom would have thoroughly enjoyed this and she would be proud of me. You see Mom was quite the history buff and I wasn’t so much but have learned to take an interest. I think I can contribute that to both my Mom and Steve. Steve is like a little sponge and soaks up the history of not just Lewis and Clark but also the battles and the Civil War era.

Since our trip has followed the Lewis and Clark trail, we figured we should follow some of the Civil War components as well. Besides it keeps us travelling along the Mississippi River which does give us a chance to do more fishing and Izzy more swimming!

The scenic route offered a variety of crops and beauty as we traveled from Memphis to Vicksburg Mississippi.

Soybeans abound

Cotton is king

Cotton Bails Instead of Hay Bails

 

 

Our first stop during our stay in the area was the National Park Services’ Vicksburg National Military Park. We toured the Union section one day and the Confederate section the following day.

To begin the journey you have to see the Visitor Center and take in the film. From there you begin the journey through time. The one thing you realize when you start looking at everything is how they were able to accomplish what they did to begin with that many years ago. They used what was available to them to build areas for protection and ability of surprise. The photos we took will give you an idea of the cannons, protections for the battle, other points of interest and the tributes that you observe through wonderful makes of art from the states that had soldiers fighting for both sides. Enjoy this small array of photos from the journey.

 

A Battlement

1862

A Young Hero

A Leader

Remembering with Art

 

The Louisiana Redan

 

Carrying the Flag

A Tribute

 

 

The Shirley House

Inside the House

Marking the Shirely's

Getting More Troops

Well Deserved Recognition

Grant

 

Made from Brass

Made from Iron, no not Steve

Missouri Remembers Their Own

One of the Smaller Guns

 

Remembering the Battle and Sacrifices

 

 

 

 

The Soldier

 

Marking the Site of Surrender

 

Majestic

The Park also contains the USS Cairo which was a Union iron-clad gunboat that sank on December 12, 1862 from two quick explosions that tore holes into the ship. The ship was recovered years later and contained information about naval construction, naval stores, armament, and crew's personal gear which is now displayed in the museum.

 



The Iron Protects



A Spider Taking Advantage

The Damage

 

Taking Aim

 At the end of the journey there are two plaques with statistics from this battle. The campaign, siege and defense of Vicksburg Mississippi took place from March 29 to July 4, 1863.  The Confederate South total numbers of killed, wounded and missing were 9,091 and the Union were total was 10,142. The National Cemetery located here includes the soldiers killed from this battle but also soldiers from other wars.

Iowa Fallen Soldiers

Final Resting Place

The River below the Cemetery

Vicksburg is such a historical place that every place you look you see buildings that were built in the early to mid-1800’s. This church is just one example. We celebrated my birthday during our time here but thank goodness I'm not quite that old yet!

 

We did venture to the Old Court House Museum. The Court House was completed in 1858 and was used during the war and the Union troops raised the Stars and Stripes on July 4, 1863, signifying the end to the 47-day siege of Vicksburg.

The Court House

The pictures will give you a small glimpse of what the museum contains. If you want to step back in time and are in Vicksburg, come visit their museum. You will be taken back to the 1800’s for sure!

 

 

The Court Room

 

Besides being good history students, thank goodness there wasn’t a test, we did find time to play a round of golf. The course was beautiful and the staff quite helpful. They guided us on the number 5 hole so our tee shots would be in the proper spot to approach the green. For you non-golfers out there this was really helpful and probably considered insider trader. Oh well I will take all the help I can get!

Izzy enjoyed herself too and got to get out and run some along the murals that are painted on the wall by the levee. Apparently when she was done running she decided it was okay to go take a swim. I guess we can’t blame her since it was pretty warm.

I'm Ready to Go!!!!!

Remembering Life Along the River

The School

The Sprague Mural

The Old Depot Along the River and Mural Walk

 

We decided to go check out the National Park Services' Grant's Canal dedication before we were leaving the area. The idea was actually pretty smart but the bad part is that heavy machinery hadn't been invented yet so they were digging the canal by hand in the summer heat. No wonder they didn't get it completed.

 

The Battle Strategy

 

 

Canal Remnants

 

 

Remembering Connecticut Volunteers

 

To continue our learning journey we left Vicksburg and headed to Natchez Mississippi. Well it wasn’t necessarily about the Civil War history but about following along the river.  See you in Natchez!