Vicksburg, Mississippi
One the sixth day, let's take a boat ride on the Mississippi river to reach the Port City of Vicksburg. The Mississippi River has long played a part in the
historical, economic and residential development of Vicksburg. Founded in 1811
and incorporated on January 29, 1825, Vicksburg rapidly grew as a center for
commerce, agriculture and river traffic.
History Before 1811, Vicksburg was part of the Choctaw Nation. Even before that, it was a Natchez territory. In 1719, the French built Fort Saint-Pierre on the Yazoo River bluffs. Ten years later, Native American warriors destroyed this fort. The vicinity, however, remained of strategic importance. When the Spanish tookover the Mississippi following the American Revolution, they quickly decided to build a new fort in the Vicksburg area. In 1790, a settlement called Nogales or Walnut Hills was established at Vicksburg. This was later transferred to the United States as part of the Louisiana Purchase and in 1811 the modern community was founded. Vicksburg played a key role during the Civil War, because of it's location on the commanding bluffs overlooking a sharp bend of the Mississippi River. President Davis knew it was vital to hold the city for the Confederacy to survive. "Vicksburg is the nail head that holds the South's two halves together”, he said. President Lincoln also wanted to win Vicksburg. He said, “Vicksburg is the key. This war can never be brought to a close until the key is put in our pocket.” General Ulysses S.Grant launched two major efforts to storm the city, but was driven back by determined Confederate soldiers. He then laid siege to Vicksburg, surrounding the city with trenches and artillery batteries. Tens of thousands of cannonballs and shells rained on the city during the 47-day siege and the citizens of Vicksburg were forced to dig tunnels in order to escape the falling bombs. Confederate General John Pemberton surrendered on July 4, 1863. The forces of General Ulysses S. Grant marched into the city and raised the U.S. flag from the clock tower on top of the Old Courthouse. For the rest of the Civil war Vicksburg remained under Union control. |
Yesterday's Children : An Antique Doll and Toy Museum
After paying tributes to the soldiers of the Civil War soldiers, let's revive our childhood memories by visiting "Yesterday's Children : An Antique Doll and Toy Museum". Let's rejoice to our heart's content browsing over a thousand dolls dating back to 1843.
After paying tributes to the soldiers of the Civil War soldiers, let's revive our childhood memories by visiting "Yesterday's Children : An Antique Doll and Toy Museum". Let's rejoice to our heart's content browsing over a thousand dolls dating back to 1843.