Vicksburg Military Park to host weeklong Civil War commemoration and Memorial Day events

VICKSBURG, Miss. (VDN) — Vicksburg National Military Park will host a series of commemorative events from May 19 through May 24 to honor the Civil War assaults of May 19 and May 22, 1863, as well as Memorial Day.

The weeklong program includes walking tours, historical talks, artillery demonstrations, and the 13th annual Symphony at Sunset concert featuring the Mississippi Symphony Orchestra.

Park rangers and licensed battlefield guides will lead visitors through key locations of the Siege of Vicksburg. Family-friendly activities, including a Civil War battle flag-making event, are also planned.

The full schedule is available at https://go.nps.gov/VICKPrograms. For more information, contact Ranger Peter Winfrey at 601-277-7487.

Program Schedule:

Sunday, May 19
10 a.m. & 2 p.m. – Walking Tour: 13th U.S. Infantry at Stockade Redan
Meet at Union Avenue and Graveyard Road. Ranger John Castaldo will guide visitors through the May 19, 1863, assault led by Union regulars.

Thursday, May 22
10 a.m. – Walking Tour: 2nd Texas Lunette Defense
Start behind the Visitor Center near the exit gate. Explore the Confederate response to the May 22 Union assault.

11 a.m.–1 p.m. – Talk and Activity: Battle Flags of Vicksburg
Ranger Peter Winfrey will discuss the role of flags during the war. Guests can create their own battle flag. Outside the Visitor Center.

Friday, May 23
8–11 a.m. – Memorial Day Flag Placement
Volunteers will help place flags at Vicksburg National Cemetery. Registration is required at form.jotform.com/251174762645158.

Saturday, May 24
9:30, 10:30, 11:30 a.m. & 12:30 p.m. – Artillery Demonstrations
Live cannon firings at the Visitor Center demonstration area.

10 a.m. – Walking Tour: Forlorn Hope Assault
Meet at Stop No. 10, Stockade Redan. Guide Mike Bryant will tell the story of 156 Union volunteers who led a dangerous charge.

2 p.m. – Walking Tour: Railroad Redoubt Assault
Meet at Stop No. 13. Guide Tony Morgan will lead a tour of the Confederate fort and the Texas State Memorial.

7–10 p.m. – 13th Annual Symphony at Sunset
The Mississippi Symphony Orchestra will perform patriotic music at the Visitor Center. Sponsored by the Friends of Vicksburg National Military Park and Campaign.

Note: Walking tours range from a half-mile to 1 mile and may include uneven terrain. Visitors should wear appropriate footwear and bring water and sun protection.