Commemorating the Anniversary of the Surrender of Vicksburg

VICKSBURG, Miss. – From Friday, July 5 through Sunday, July 7, 2023, Vicksburg National Military Park and Friends of Vicksburg National Military Park and Campaign are hosting special programming commemorating the surrender of Vicksburg on July 4th, 1863. These free, engaging programs include Civil War rifled musket demonstrations, an immersive first-person discussion by Generals Grant and Pemberton, and exploring the life of a soldier with Douglas the Camel. All programming will be weather dependent.

Co-Sponsored by the Friends of Vicksburg National Military Park & Campaign 

Rifled Musket Demonstrations

Learn about the life of Civil War soldier as staff demonstrate the firing of the rifled musket.

The Last 24-Hours: Grant and Pemberton Tell All

Ulysses S. Grant and John C. Pemberton (performed by Curt Fields and Morgan Gates) meet again as they discuss the experiences they faced during the Vicksburg Campaign.

Life of a Soldier with Douglas the Camel

Doug Baum and his Texas Camel Corps return, telling stories of the life of a soldier and Douglas, the mascot of the 43rd Mississippi Infantry.

Event Schedule

Friday, July 5th

• 9 a.m. -12 a.m. – Life of a Soldier with Douglas the Camel – Visitor Center
• 10 a.m. – Rifled Musket Demonstration – Demo Area near Visitor Center

Saturday, July 6th

• 9 a.m. -12 a.m. – Life of a Soldier with Douglas the Camel – Visitor Center
• 10 a.m. – Rifled Musket Demonstration – Demo Area near Visitor Center
• 11 a.m. & 2 p.m. – The Last 24-Hours: Grant and Pemberton Tell All – Visitor Center Theater

Sunday, July 7th

• 9 a.m. -12 a.m. – Life of a Soldier with Douglas the Camel – Visitor Center
• 10 a.m. – Rifled Musket Demonstration – Demo Area near Visitor Center
• 11 a.m. & 2 p.m. – The Last 24-Hours: Grant and Pemberton Tell All – Visitor Center Theater

For more information on the surrender of Vicksburg programs, click here.