Vicksburg National Military Park Fee Free day in honor of Juneteenth

The Vicksburg Military Park will waive admission fees on June 19 in honor of Juneteenth National Independence Day.

Juneteenth, celebrated annually on June 19th, marks the day in 1865 when Union soldiers arrived in Galveston, Texas, and announced the end of slavery, two and a half years after the Emancipation Proclamation. The holiday, also known as Freedom Day or Emancipation Day, has gained increasing recognition across the United States in recent years, commemorating the emancipation of African American slaves and celebrating African American culture and achievements.

Established in 1899, the Vicksburg Military Park stands as a poignant testament to the American Civil War’s pivotal Battle of Vicksburg. Located in Vicksburg, Mississippi, the park encompasses over 1,800 acres and features a vast array of monuments, memorials, and historical markers that pay tribute to the soldiers who fought and died during the siege of Vicksburg in 1863. Visitors to the park can explore the meticulously preserved battlefield, including fortified trenches, artillery batteries, and strategic positions, gaining a profound insight into the challenges faced by both Union and Confederate forces.

The Vicksburg Military Park will be open during regular business hours on Juneteenth. The park will have three more fee free days this year. August 4 for the Anniversary of the Great American Outdoors Act, September 28to celebrate National Public Lands Day, and Veterans Day on November 11. For more information, call 601-636-0583.