Ross and Beverley: Vicksburg

We had the opportunity to travel from Natchez to Vicksburg via the Natchez Trace Parkway. The Trace stretches from the Mississippi River through Alabama and across Tennessee Valley to Nashville. It was first used by American Indians. In the early 1800's it was the main return route for Ohio valley traders who, rather than fight the Mississippi downstream currents, sold their flatboats for the value of their timber in Natchez and walked home through Choctaw and Chickasaw territory via the Old Trace.
By mid-century, steamboats made the trek unnecessary, and the Old Trace disappeared into the trees. Today, the 444 mile national Scenic Byway is a great example of the nation's natural and cultural heritage. It is a beautiful drive with magnificent trees.

Vicksburg has a very rich and complex history. From the occupation of the area by the Natchez Native Americans to the first Europeans, the French colonists. The impact of the Choctaw Nation to the American Civil War. Fast forward to today and its an interesting city to visit which provides the opportunity for the traveler to immerse themselves in its rich history.

The city is situated on the banks of the Mississippi River.

The River front is most interesting from the location of paddle steamer, the American.

To the flood wall on Levee Street, where you can see the flood levels of the Mississippi .

On the reverse side of the flood wall are the Vicksburg Riverfront Murals. There are 32 life-like pictorial murals which depict periods of history in Vicksburg.

There are many interesting places to see such as this Railway Station.

There are several museums to visit and we chose to spend sometime in the Vicksburg Courthouse which has an amazing collection of all things regarding the Civil War.

This plaque is located in the grounds of the Courthouse and states a realism for military persons.

This is the chair that General Grant used when he resided in Vicksburg.

While is a bit worse for wear it certainly looked like it was a comfortable sit.

This is how the ladies dressed during this period of time. The bag hanging on the left side of the model was placed under their skirts and used to smuggle items.

It was an interesting read regarding Confederated Medicine.

The Blue - Gray sisters were possible typical of their day.

The furniture was very elegant.

The Courtroom has many stories to tell.

This is a Battle Flag of the Civil War.

There many historic homes to see such as Martha Vick House (circa 1830) which was built for the unmarried daughter of Vicksburg's founder, Newit Vick.