Vicksburg Battlefield Self-Guided Driving Tour

Key Points

• Affordable and flexible: This self-guided driving tour costs $16.99 per car (up to 4 people) and can be used for an entire year.
• Comprehensive route: It includes 19 stops, covering key monuments, memorials, and historic sites within the 15-mile-long Vicksburg Battlefield.
• Audio guide convenience: Access the tour via the Action Tour Guide App with a unique password, allowing hands-free, offline narration.
• Duration: Designed to be completed in 1 to 2 hours, making it a manageable and educational outing.
• Best suited for: Visitors comfortable with self-guided exploration, with the ability to download the app beforehand for optimal experience.

This tour offers a detailed, self-paced journey through the heart of the Vicksburg Battlefield, with engaging stories about pivotal moments in Civil War history. While some roads may be closed or affected by weather, the audio narration and well-planned stops still provide a thorough understanding of this critical site. It’s perfect for history buffs, families, or anyone wanting a flexible, informative visit without the constraints of a guided group.

Exploring the Vicksburg Battlefield from the Comfort of Your Car

The Vicksburg Battlefield Self-Guided Driving Tour is a budget-friendly way to explore one of the Civil War’s most decisive locations. Priced at $16.99 per group, it allows up to 4 people to follow a detailed route with audio narration. The tour lasts approximately 1 to 2 hours and covers 19 stops, including memorials, monuments, and key strategic sites.

The tour begins at the Vicksburg National Military Park and concludes at Parkside Gutters and Siding. It’s a self-guided experience that relies on downloadable audio files accessible via the Action Tour Guide App. Just purchase once, and you can use it for up to a year, making it perfect for multiple visits or repeat trips.

A significant advantage is the offline functionality—once downloaded, the tour plays without needing cellular service. This feature is especially helpful in more wooded or remote areas of the park where signal can be inconsistent. The audio narration provides detailed stories behind each site, adding depth and context to the visual experience.

How the Tour Starts at Vicksburg National Military Park

The first stop is the Vicksburg National Military Park itself, where the importance of this site in the Civil War is explained. Visitors learn why President Abraham Lincoln considered it the key to winning the war, aligning with Confederate President Jefferson Davis’s view of its strategic importance. The guide offers insights into the battles fought here and why this area was so fiercely contested.

The 15-mile route takes about 2-3 hours to complete if one stops at each location. This makes it suitable for a relaxed drive with opportunities to explore further at your own pace. The park admission fee is not included in the tour, so visitors should plan accordingly. It’s recommended to download the tour app in advance for a smoother experience upon arrival.

Driving Past the Memorial Arch and Veterans Reunion Site

One of the notable stops is the Memorial Arch, built after a 1917 veterans reunion involving soldiers from both sides. This arch symbolizes the peace between Union and Confederate veterans, with the 4-day event marking a poignant moment of reconciliation. The free stop offers a glimpse into post-war efforts for unity.

Close by, the Minnesota Memorial features a statue of peace, holding a sword and shield laid down by both armies. This symbolizes the hope for no future battles on this land, making it a powerful reminder of reconciliation.

Honoring the Soldiers: Michigan, Illinois, and Wisconsin Monuments

The tour features several monuments that honor specific states and units. The Michigan Memorial, topped with the Spirit of Michigan statue, commemorates Michigan soldiers, including Captain Samuel DeGolyer, who was mortally wounded nearby. The Illinois Memorial, designed by W. L. B. Jenney, pays tribute to Illinois soldiers with a memorial that resembles a temple, inscribed with the names of those who fought and fell.

The Wisconsin Memorial showcases Old Abe, the war eagle mascot of the 8th Wisconsin Infantry. This real bird participated in 42 battles before being honorably discharged in 1864, symbolizing the bravery of Wisconsin troops.

Unique Tactics and Fortifications

The Logan’s Approach stop details an unusual Union tactic: a trench with a mine loaded with 2,200 pounds of gunpowder was dug to try to breach Confederate defenses. This specific tactic highlights the innovative strategies employed during the siege.

Further, Fort Hill offers an excellent vantage point for viewing the entire battlefield. Its well-fortified position prevented land battles from taking place here, thanks to the open landscape and river views, making it a strategic lookout point.

The Role of State and Service Memorials

The tour includes memorials honoring Missouri, Mississippi, Alabama, and West Virginia. The Missouri Memorial reflects the divided loyalties within the state, which sent both Union and Confederate troops. The Mississippi Monument features a Greek goddess figure symbolizing peace, while the Alabama Memorial depicts troops led by the state’s representative figure, emphasizing the diverse contributions of Southern states.

The West Virginia Monument honors Major Azra Goodspeed, a soldier born in Ohio who served and was killed fighting for West Virginia, illustrating the cross-state enlistment common at the time.

The Final Resting Places and Fort Garrott

The Vicksburg National Cemetery contains the graves of 17,000 Union soldiers. Many were initially buried with minimal markers close to the battlefield, but post-war efforts allowed for proper identification and burial, ensuring respect for the fallen.

Near Fort Hill, the Fort Garrott site is marked by the hill where Colonel Isham W. Garrott was killed by Union snipers. Garrott was never aware he was promoted to Brigadier General before his death, adding a stark and personal element to the battlefield history.

Practical Details and Accessibility

The tour begins at the Vicksburg National Military Park Visitor Center and ends at Parkside Gutters and Siding The downloadable app makes it simple to follow the route, with audio cues guiding from stop to stop. No group guide is present; this is a self-guided experience suited for those comfortable with using mobile devices.

It is recommended to download the app in advance and prepare for possible road closures or weather-related disruptions, as some reviews mention. The tour is designed for most travelers, with no specific physical requirements noted, but a device with internet initially for download is necessary.

The Sum Up: A Cost-Effective Way to Discover Civil War History

The Vicksburg Battlefield Self-Guided Driving Tour offers a cost-effective, flexible, and educational way to experience the historic site at your own pace. It emphasizes engaging storytelling with well-maintained stops covering key monuments, strategic sites, and memorials, making history accessible and memorable.

While some roads may be closed or affected by weather, the downloadable audio tour remains a strong feature, providing detailed stories that bring the battlefield to life. Its affordable price and one-year usage window make it a practical choice for families, history enthusiasts, or anyone wanting a personalized tour experience.

This tour is especially suitable for those who prefer independent exploration without the constraints of guided groups or fixed schedules, as long as they are prepared to handle technology and plan ahead for any park closures or weather issues.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, the self-guided tour is flexible enough for families, especially since it allows exploration at your own pace and the stories are engaging.

Do I need to pay entrance fees separately?
Yes, admission to the Vicksburg Battlefield is not included. Visitors must purchase park entry separately.

How do I access the tour?
After booking, you’ll receive a confirmation email and instructions to download the Action Tour Guide App and enter your unique password. The tour works offline after download.

Can I start the tour at any time?
Yes, the tour is self-guided, so you can start whenever you arrive at the park, and pause or resume at any point.

How long does the tour take?
The core route takes approximately 1 to 2 hours, depending on stops and pace.

Are there any physical requirements?
The tour is primarily a driving experience, with optional stops for exploration. It’s suitable for most travelers, but note that some stops involve walking or viewing monuments.

What if roads are closed or the weather is bad?
Some reviews mention road closures or weather disruptions. It’s advisable to download the tour in advance and check local conditions before your visit.

Is this a guided tour?
No, it’s self-guided. The audio narration plays automatically as you reach each stop, but there is no live guide present.

Can I use the tour multiple times?
Yes, the purchase allows use for one year, making it ideal for multiple visits or return trips.

What makes this tour better than a standard visitor center visit?
The audio narration delivers detailed stories and historical context at each stop, enhancing understanding beyond what’s available through static exhibits or plaques.