150th Anniversary of Civil War Sites and Battlefields in Mississippi

Civil war sites and battlefields in Mississippi include cities like Vicksburg, Corinth and other major battles. These are the ones that come to mind most often. There are many other sites, however, and the entire state is littered with tales of sieges, battles, last stands, heroism and near misses.

As the 150th anniversary of the Civil War approaches travelers will have a chance to visit almost all of the Civil War sites and battlefields in Mississippi. There is plenty to explore and see.

Pascagoula
My family enjoyed our visit to the coastal city of Pascagoula. It was my husband and I who enjoyed the history and charm of the town while and our daughters thoroughly enjoyed the beach.

Even this tiny town has its own Civil War tales. According to an article by Ernest McBride, the first Mississippi battle to involve Black Troops was fought at nearby Ship Island.

Vicksburg
One of the famous of all battles is that of Vicksburg. It's one of the Civil War sites and battlefields in Mississippi that you won't want to overlook.

Because of its prominence on the mighty Mississippi River both sides badly wanted to control this city. To control Vicksburg was to control river traffic and keep supply lines open. Union troops laid siege to the town and six months later the Confederate forces surrendered.

The Vicksburg National Military Park is the home to a 16 mile driving tour of over 1,300 Civil War monuments. Visitors can also see a restored gunboat that was used by Union soldiers and a National Cemetery.

Questions can be answered by park rangers at the visitor center where books and other information are available. Admission is charged. National Parks Passes are accepted.

Corinth
The Corinth Interpretive Center is part of the larger Shiloh National Military Park in Tennessee. Because of its proximity to its neighbor, Corinth is one of the Civil War sites and battlefields in Mississippi that is relatively easy to overlook. That doesn't diminish the role it played.

At the time of the war, Corinth was the cross of two major railroads. Ultimately, Union forces would take control away from the Confederates.

Today, the National Park Service maintains the Corinth Interpretive Center. Visitors will enjoy the exhibits, a driving tour and seeing the fortifications that still mark the area. Events and living history programs are frequently held. Click through the link above to learn more.

Biloxi
Another one of the Civil War sites and battlefields in Mississippi is the Jefferson Davis Home and Presidential Library in Biloxi. Beauvoir was the last home of the only president the Confederacy would ever know. The home and library are operated by the Mississippi Division, Sons of Confederate Veterans. Admission is charged. Please call ahead or visit the website to verify the hours of operation.

Additional Civil War sites and battlefields in Mississippi include:
Tupelo National Battlefield
Grand Gulf Military Park
Port Gibson

There are many Civil War sites and battlefields in Mississippi that are waiting to be discovered. Visiting can be a good bonding experience for family or provide research opportunities for individuals.

Sources:
Personal Experience
Civil War Traveler
Civil War Academy.com
Civil War Album
National Park Service
Everything Alabama