The Vicksburg campaign was waged from March 29 to July 4, 1863. It included battles in west-central Mississippi at Port Gibson, Raymond, Jackson, Champion Hill, Big Black River and 47 days of Union siege operations against Confederate forces defending the city of Vicksburg. Located high on the bluffs, Vicksburg was a fortress guarding the Mississippi River. It was known as The Gibraltar of the Confederacy. Its surrender on July 4, 1863, coupled with the fall of Port Hudson, Louisiana, divided the South, and gave the North undisputed control of the Mississippi River. Today, the battlefield at Vicksburg is in an excellent state of preservation. It includes 1,325 historic monuments and markers, 20 miles of reconstructed trenches and earthworks, a 16 mile tour road, antebellum home, 144 emplaced cannon, restored Union gunboat-USS Cairo, and the Vicksburg National Cemetery.

Leashed pets are permitted in the park, but are not allowed in the buildings or in the USS Cairo exhibit. Leashes must be no longer than six feet.

Vicksburg is now a member of the B.A.R.K. Ranger program. Read more about it here: https://blog.gopetfriendly.com/pet-friendly-national-parks-and-the-b-a-r-k-ranger-program/.