Friends of Vicksburg National Military Park announces $2.8 million private gift to restore historic battlefield

VICKSBURG, Miss. (VDN) — The Friends of Vicksburg National Military Park is proud to announce a landmark $2.8 million private donation to the Vicksburg National Military Park for critical battlefield restoration efforts.

This transformative gift will be matched by $2.5 million in federal funding through the National Park
Service’s Centennial Challenge program, resulting in a total investment of $5.3 million in one of the most
sacred sites of the American Civil War.

At the heart of the project is a full restoration of the iconic Illinois Memorial, the park’s most visited and one of the most architecturally significant monuments. In addition, the project will remove a post-war building that was erroneously constructed on core battlefield ground—an intrusion that obscures the story and sacrifices of the men who fought and died there in 1863.

Preserving Hallowed Ground

Battlefield restoration involves the meticulous return of land and landmarks to their wartime appearance
and context. At Vicksburg, that means reestablishing the terrain, sightlines, and structures as they were in 1863 during the pivotal siege that helped determine the outcome of the Civil War.

Restoration enhances more than just the physical landscape—it transforms the visitor experience. By
removing post-war intrusions and returning the land to its historic state, visitors can better grasp the
intensity and geography of the battle, as well as the decisions made by Union and Confederate forces. An authentic landscape fosters deeper understanding, reverence, and connection to the past.

“Standing on restored battlefield ground gives visitors a chance to truly understand the story of Vicksburg— not just read about it, but feel it,” said Bess Averett, Executive Director of the Friends of Vicksburg National Military Park. “Visitors deserve to walk this hallowed ground and see it as Union and Confederate soldiers saw it during the siege. Every tree, ravine, and ridge matters. Battlefield restoration brings clarity to the chaos of war and deepens our understanding of one of the most pivotal moments in American history. Thanks to the generosity of our donor, John Nau III, and the partnership of the National Park Service, we are reclaiming this hallowed ground and restoring one of the most significant monuments in the country.”

One of the very first projects accomplished by the Friends Group in 2011 was the removal of fifty acres of trees in the same area. Before that work, rows of cannons faced a dense forest confusing visitors and
hiding the very terrain that made Vicksburg so impenetrable. The removal of this structure, a condemned building that once served as a visitor center and staff residence, paired with the full restoration of the iconic Illinois Monument, will complete and enhance the visitor experience in this area for generations to come.

The Illinois Monument

The Illinois State Memorial at Vicksburg National Military Park is one of the most iconic monuments in the entire National Park Service. It honors the 36,000 Illinois soldiers who fought in the Siege of Vicksburg during the Civil War.

Key Facts:

• Dedicated: October 26, 1906
• Designed by: Architect William Le Baron Jenney (a Civil War veteran and father of the skyscraper)
• Sculptor: Charles J. Mulligan
• Cost: $194,423 (an enormous sum at the time, entirely funded by the State of Illinois)
  Design and Symbolism:
• Modeled after the Roman Pantheon, the memorial features a large classical dome, Corinthian
  columns, and an open oculus at the top, which allows sunlight and rain to pass through—
  symbolizing eternal memory and presence.
• The interior walls are engraved with the names of all Illinois soldiers who participated in the
  Vicksburg Campaign—over 36,000 names in total.
• There are 47 steps leading up to the entrance, one for every day of the Siege of Vicksburg.

Historical Importance:

Illinois contributed more troops to the Vicksburg Campaign than any other Union state. The monument
reflects the pride and significance Illinois placed on its role in the Union victory at Vicksburg—widely
considered one of the most important turning points of the Civil War.

Restoration Needs:

Over a century of weather exposure—including through the oculus—has caused deterioration to both
the stone and the inscriptions inside. A full restoration is crucial to preserve its integrity and allow
future generations to experience its splendor and meaning. The restoration will begin by the end of
summer and will be implemented in close coordination with preservation experts, historians, and the
National Park Service. The work is expected to take a year, and the monument will be closed to the
public during the restoration.

The Power of Private Support

Private philanthropy like this $2.8 million gift is not optional—it is essential. The National Park Service
manages over 400 units across the country and cannot meet the growing needs of these treasured places on its own. Vicksburg is a prime example of how private-public partnerships can protect our nation’s most significant battlefields and ensure that future generations can understand and honor the events that shaped our country.

This gift is a result of the passion and vision of Friends of Vicksburg National Military Park founding board director, John Nau III. Nau is a prominent Texas businessman, philanthropist, and leading advocate nationally for American history education and preservation. Nau was on site Friday, July 11, 2025, to present the generous check, the largest private gift made in the park’s history, and make the first symbolic demolition strike to the post-war structure.

“This gift from John Nau is nothing short of visionary,” said ret. Brigadier General Robert Crear, President of Friends of Vicksburg National Military Park and Campaign. “It will not only preserve a national treasure— the Illinois Memorial—but also reclaim the battlefield from post-war development and restore its integrity for all Americans.”

About Friends of Vicksburg National Military Park

The Friends of Vicksburg National Military Park is a nonprofit organization and the official philanthropic
partner to Vicksburg National Military Park dedicated to preserving, protecting, and enhancing Vicksburg National Military Park. Through advocacy, education, and fundraising, the Friends group supports projects that improve the visitor experience and safeguard the battlefield for future generations.