The VICKSBURG TRAILS COMMISSION would like to invite you to take a tour of the Vicksburg National Military Park and National Cemetery in Vicksburg, Mississippi along with the new Vicksburg City Tour. We currently have five different tours available:

1. 7 mile Trek (suitable for 2nd / 3rd graders and up)
2. 14 Mile Hike (suitable for 4th / 5th graders and up)
3. 12-mile compass trail (suitable for 12 / 13 year olds and up)
4. 16 mile bicycle tour (suitable for 4th / 5th graders and up) (Please note: There is no series of questions for the Bicycle Tour. All you have to do is bicycle the ENTIRE park, North and South Loops, and turn in a list of names with your payment.)
5. 5 mile city hike (also qualifies for the city hike requirement towards First Class Rank.

All of these hikes are located in the Vicksburg National Military Park. As you walk, you are asked questions of what you see and fill out a tour form for that particular hike. You do not have to hike the entire trail in one day. You can hike part of the trail on one day and finish the trail on another day. When you return home, you can mail in your form and get a:

1. Patch ($3.00)
2. Hat Pin ($1.50)
3. Medal ($3.50)
4. Star (to be worn with the medal if you have done the hike before.) ($3.00)
5. Backpack device (to be worn with the medal if you have done the hike with a backpack on.) ($3.00)

There is a single $3.20 fee for postage on all orders.

There are also trading patches ($3.00) and ceramic 5-color coffee cups ($6.00) available for purchase. (If a person cannot complete the Trail / Trek they are walking, a very nice "tried-it" patch can be purchased for $3.00).

Vicksburg National Military Park Clean Up Crew

A recently implemented program is the Clean Up Crew. Any group that does at least a four (4) hour service project in the park (approved by the National Park Service) will receive a FREE 3" fully embroidered 5 color patch. Please contact the Supervising Ranger, at the Vicksburg National Military Park for more information (601-636-0583). After the project is completed, send me a list of participants and the patches will be sent to you via mail.

If you would like more information on the hikes and camping around Vicksburg, please feel free to contact me.

Sincerely,

Steven P. Elwart
143 Woodstone Drive
Vicksburg, MS 39183-8319
Home: 601-636-6752 Trails Office: 601-636-9788
Office: 601-630-8301
FAX: 601-630-8311
Mobile: 601-630-6461e-mail selwart@netdoor.com

COST OF USING THE PARK -- The Vicksburg National Military Park is a US Fee Paid Area. The cost is $4.00 / vehicle. However, Scout Groups, traveling in uniform are not charged for the use of the park. You can contact the Visitor Center at information 601-636-0583 for more information.

PICNIC AREAS -- Eating areas are designated at the USS Cairo and Tour Stop 12 ONLY.

TOUR ROAD USE POLICY -- Touring the park by motor vehicle to view the monuments, markers, and historical landscapes has long been the traditional and accepted means of visiting Vicksburg National Military Park. However, in recent years the park has experienced a significant increase in the recreational use of the tour road by walkers, hikers, joggers, and bicyclists. While these diverse activities are still legitimate uses of the park, when practiced concurrently they can create hazards unless special precautions are taken. The purpose of this pamphlet is to highlight those measures that the different park users should employ to ensure that their visit is safe. Your attention to, and cooperation with, the recommendations, and rules and regulations, contained herein will help to make your visits to Vicksburg National Military Park safer and more enjoyable.

RESPONSIBILITIES OF MOTORISTS -

RESPONSIBILITIES OF PEDESTRIANS --

RESPONSIBILITIES OF BICYCLISTS --

Rocky Springs. (601-535-7142 -- Tupelo Office). Located about 30 miles south of Vicksburg off Highway 27 on the Natchez Trace is a National Park Service campground on the Natchez Trace called Rocky Springs. The "premiere" place to camp near Vicksburg. It's a Federal campground, there is no entrance or camping fee and takes no reservations. (There never seems to have been a problem getting a campsite). It has running water, fire pits, heated bathrooms in the Fall & Winter, and other amenities for "modern" camping. It also has developed camp sites, old town site, old church and cemetery, hiking trails, etc. It is located about 30 minutes from Vicksburg. This is an excellent place to spend a weekend. During the summer there are nightly programs dealing with the history of the Natchez Trace (a road which ran from Natchez, MS to the Tennessee border). I have never had a group be disappointed by staying there as the area is of historical interest in itself. Note: If the campground is full, you may camp for the night at the picnic area. Friday nights are busy, but Saturday night it is less crowded.

Battlefield (KOA) Campground located very near the entrance to the Park. It includes most of the amenities of a commercial campground, including swimming pool. It will cost you $3.00/person per night for tent campers. That is not considered, however, a good camping experience as you can imagine.

Askews Landing. Approximately 15 miles East of Vicksburg near Edwards, MS. A commercial campground, excellent facilities, not as "commercial" as a KOA. Their charge, $10 per site per night, plus, $1.00 per person per night. The best of the commercial facilities.

Primitive camping is available in the Park. You must make arrangements with me or with Ranger Tim Mauch at the Vicksburg National Military Park. It is "pack-in, pack-out", no fires, digging, etc. There are no facilities of any kind (water, latrines, fire pits), and the road to the camp area is primitive. Space is available for ONLY 40 people. A representative of the Unit must meet with the Rangers prior to 5:00 p.m. for entrance into the Park. The camp area is primitive, there are NO facilities, and cooking fires are not allowed, as well as no cutting of wood, digging, etc. There is a fire pit in the camping area. If you wish to use it, you must pack in your own wood, and, you must let me know if you are going to use it. Depending on the local rainfall, we may have to restrict its use in the event of a fire danger. Vehicle access is available during dry weather. However, during wet weather, vehicles should be removed from the area. I've had one nice vehicle stuck down there for two weeks! If you want to camp there, call about a week ahead of your planned visit and make arrangements with the Park. Call me for camping information.

Army Reserve Armory Allows groups to spend the night. Their telephone number is: 601-636-1656 (contact: Sgt. Torrey). Groups also have used their sponsoring organization, such as a church or civic organization, to contact a similar organization locally to allow them to use a recreation hall or other similar facility.

168^th National Guard Armory Allows groups to spend the night. Their telephone number is: 601-636-1573. The only disadvantage with this facility is they require you to hire someone from them and pay them for the night to provide security for the building.

Southern Heritage Cultural Complex Arrangements have been made for groups to stay at the Complex (the old St. Francis Xavier Elementary School) as a hostel. The cost is $3 per person per night with a $20 minimum. There are hot water showers available. You will have access to the gym complete with nets (bring your basketball). We would suggest that the Scouts sleep in the gym and the adults sleep in the old cafeteria downstairs (bring a cot). You can prepare meals in the old kitchen. You need to bring your own coolers and Coleman stoves. Please contact Phil Gee (Troop 102 ASM) for details. You can contact him at 601-636-7831 (O), 601-638-7834 (H), or 601-636-7843 (FAX). To improve communications, please FAX details, including:

A patch, OA Flap, or mug unique to your council would be appropriate for Phil’s trouble since he will have to meet you to give you the key as well as getting it back from you.

St. Michael’s Catholic Church Fr. O’Riordan allows Scouting groups to use the parish hall if it is not in use. You can contact him by calling 601-636-3445 or 601-638-9824 (Parish Hall). Please give Fr. O’Riordan plenty of notice.

Poverty Point State Area This is another nice area with hiking trails available. Their address is PO Box 276, Epps, LA 71237-0276. Their phone number is 318-926-5492.

Other Things to do

You may find that you have some extra time on your hands, especially on Sunday if you spend the night. Here are some ideas to spend your time.

Vicksburg National Military Park Clean Up As mentioned above, there is a patch available for those that do an approved 4-hour service project in the park. A good thing to do after breakfast and before you leave.

City Cemetery Located on Mission 66 North off of Clay Street; there is the Confederate Cemetery section located in the Vicksburg City Cemetery. There is a sign at the entrance pointing the way to the area. This is where the Confederate Soldiers were moved to when the Federal Government made the Park Cemetery a National Cemetery. This is something frequently missed, but worth the 1/2 hour it takes to see.

Riverfront Park This is a new park built along the Mississippi River off of South Washington Street. It has a picnic area, bathrooms and gym equipment. A great place for lunch before you leave.

South Fort On South Washington Street, about .1 mile from I-20 is South Fort. You have to look for it a bit; it is behind a car wash just north of the Delta Point Restaurant. This marks the southernmost edge of the original siege fortifications. A nice thing to see right before you go. Takes about 5 minutes to check it out.

More information If you are connected to the Internet, you can access the City of Vicksburg’s Web Site at: http://www.southernnet.com/vicksburg/city/index.htm

From Their WEB Page: http://www.nps.gov:80/parklists/index/vick.html

Vicksburg National Military Park was established on February 21, 1899, to commemorate one of the most decisive battles of the Civil War, the campaign, siege and defense of Vicksburg.

The Vicksburg campaign was waged from March 29 to July 4, 1863. It included battles in west-central Mississippi at: Port Gibson, Raymond, Jackson, Champion Hill, Big Black River and 47 days of Union siege operations against the city of Vicksburg. Located high on the bluffs, Vicksburg was a fortress guarding the Mississippi River. It was known as "The Gibraltar of the Confederacy." Its surrender on July 4, 1863, coupled with the fall of Port Hudson, Louisiana, divided the South, and gave the North undisputed control of the Mississippi River.

Today, the battlefield at Vicksburg is in an excellent state of preservation. It includes over 1,300 monuments and markers, reconstructed trenches and earthworks, one antebellum structure, over 125 emplaced cannon, restored Union gunboat, USS Cairo, and the Vicksburg National Cemetery.

Like most Civil War areas, Vicksburg National Military Park exists as a lasting memorial to the soldiers and civilians that suffered through the widespread tragedy and conflict of the Civil War. It is a vivid legacy of America's past, a place where students can learn and individuals reflect upon the dramatic events that shaped a young and developing nation.

Orientation to the park begins at the park visitor center with an 18-minute film. Visitors can then drive the historic 16-mile tour road through Union and Confederate siege lines.

Halfway through the park, visitors get a close-up view of the Union gunboat, the USS Cairo. The 175-foot long ironclad was sunk on December 12, 1862, by underwater Confederate mines just North of Vicksburg in the Yazoo River. Raised in 1964, the restored city class gunboat offers visitors a unique opportunity to view original cannons, cannon carriages, engines, boilers and pilot house, via a reconstructed gundeck. The nearby USS Cairo Museum houses a variety of military and personal artifacts, which were recovered with the Cairo during its salvage operation.

Adjacent to the USS Cairo is the Vicksburg National Cemetery. Established in 1866, it contains in excess of 18,000 graves, of which over 13,000 are unknown. Soldiers from the Civil War, the Spanish-American War, World War I, World War II and the Korean War are interred here.

VISITATION - Highest visitation occurs during the months of April through July; lowest from December through February.

ADDRESS:

Vicksburg National Military Park

3201 Clay Street

Vicksburg, MS 39180

TELEPHONE:

Visitor Center, (601) 636-0583

Cairo Museum, (601) 636-2199

OPERATING HOURS, SEASONS -- Open daily, except Christmas. Visitor Center: 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; Cairo Museum: 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., November to March; 9:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., April to October.

CLIMATE, RECOMMENDED CLOTHING -- Sunny, with humid rainy periods throughout the year. Sudden and severe thunderstorms are common. Mild winters. Summers hot and humid. Wear comfortable sportswear in season, with walking or hiking shoes recommended.

DIRECTIONS -- Visitors traveling east-west on Interstate 20; exit at Vicksburg ramp 4B, then follow Clay Street (US-80) west, 1/4 mile to park entrance. Visitors traveling north-south on US Highway 61; follow same directions as I-20 above. US-61 joins with I-20 in its route through the city of Vicksburg.

TRANSPORTATION -- To Park: access by Interstate Highway I-20, US-61 and US-80. Closest commercial airport is Jackson, MS, 50 miles to the east. Rental cars are available at the airport. In Park: personal vehicle, bicycle, tour bus and taxicab.

FEES, COSTS, RATES - Daily admission is $4.00 per vehicle, and $2.00 per non- commercial bus passenger. A Vicksburg annual park pass is $10.00; Golden Eagle passport is $25.00, Golden Age passport, for US citizens 62 and over, available for a one time administrative fee of $10.00. Golden Access passport (for disabled) available for free (upon proof). Commercial vehicles with a 1-6 passenger capacity is $30.00. Those with a 7-25 passenger capacity is $45.00, and those with over 25-passenger capacity is $100.00. Donation boxes for monument restoration services are available at both park visitor centers.

FACILITIES AND OPPORTUNITIES:

Visitor Center/Exhibits -- The main visitor center at the Clay Street entrance, offers public information, artifact exhibit area, bookstore, pay telephone, rest room facilities (handicapped and baby changing area), and a city (county) information booth, operated by the staff of the Vicksburg Convention and Visitors Bureau.

The USS Cairo complex includes a museum and restored Union ironclad gunboat. It is located at milepost 7.8 of the park tour road, or is accessible from downtown Vicksburg, via Cherry Street to Fort Hill Drive and Connecting Avenue. It offers public information, artifact exhibit area, bookstore, pay telephone, rest room facilities (handicapped and baby changing area) and picnic tables. On display at the museum are Civil War period naval artifacts recovered from the Union vessel. Sailors' personal possessions, cookware and weaponry, are among items on exhibit. A six-minute video explains how the CAIRO was sunk by a Confederate underwater mine, how it was located and actions taken during its salvage efforts.

Three exterior park areas include the riverfront batteries. The Union had a position at Navy Circle, and Confederate batteries existed at South Fort and Louisiana Circle. Traveling east-west on I-20, take exit 1 and go north on Washington Street.

Located across the Mississippi River in the town of Delta, Louisiana, visitors can view one of the last remaining sections of Grants Canal. In 1863 Union forces unsuccessfully attempted to bypass Vicksburg by digging an 8-12 foot deep channel through Desoto Point. The hope was to divert waters of the Mississippi River, and bypass the formidable batteries of Vicksburg. Follow US Highway 80 west from Navy Circle, and follow signs. Take first left turn, right on old US-80, as you pass under interstate bridge, park area is on left. No facilities, as the area is under development.

Trails, Roads -- A sixteen mile tour road parallels Union and Confederate siege lines, with three interconnecting roadways, fifteen tour stops and short spur trails to points of interest. There is also one twelve-mile scout hiking trail.

Programs/Activities -- Guided tours of the battlefield are available with licensed park guides. Tours are provided upon request, but reservations are preferred. Costs are $20.00 per car, $30.00 per van and $40.00 per bus. Availability information and reservations can be made by calling (601) 636-3827. A narrated, self-guided driving tour is available on cassette tape, for rent or sale at the park visitor centers. Scheduled talks are provided by park rangers at the visitor center and USS Cairo Museum, in season. There are living history black powder demonstrations at the visitor center, mid-June to mid-August. Check with visitor center and Cairo staff for day and time of programs.

Bookstores located at both park visitor centers are operated by the Eastern National Parks and Monument Association. Coordination of license park guide services and city/county accommodations are provided by Vicksburg Convention and visitors bureau.

Lodging and camping facilities -- None in park. A variety of hotels, motels and recreational vehicle camping sites are available in the immediate Vicksburg area. Picnic tables are provided at Cairo Museum and tour stop 12 only. No fires or cooking allowed.

Food/supplies -- Available in Vicksburg at local restaurants, groceries and specialty stores.

Accessibility -- The main park visitor center and Cairo Museum are wheelchair accessible, with a least one wheelchair available upon request.

Special Needs -- Parking areas at each visitor center are available for buses. Visitor parking is available at each site.

RECOMMENDED ACTIVITIES/PARK USE -- Driving tour of battlefield, via tour road; observing historic markers, tablets, plaques and monuments along tour route; walking, hiking, biking; photography; and birdwatching, twelve mile scout trail of moderate difficulty.

ADJACENT VISITOR ATTRACTIONS -- Museums, Antebellum homes, casinos, restaurants, antique shops, shopping and outlet malls, city/county library, and US Waterways Experiment Station.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

Write -- Vicksburg National Military Park, 3201 Clay Street, Vicksburg, MS 39180, or call (601) 636-0583; or Eastern National Parks and Monument Association, 3201 Clay Street, Vicksburg, MS 39180, or call (601) 638-4583; or Vicksburg Convention and Visitors Bureau, Clay Street and Old Highway 27, Vicksburg, MS 39180, or call (601) 636-9421.

ADDITIONAL HISTORIC BACKGROUND ON THE VICKSBURG CAMPAIGN:

At the time of the Civil War, the Mississippi River was the single most important economic feature of the continent; the very lifeblood of America. Upon the secession of the southern states, the river was closed to unfettered navigation, which threatened to strangle northern commercial interests. President Abraham Lincoln told his civil and military leaders, "See what a lot of land these fellows hold, of which Vicksburg is the key. The war can never be brought to a close until that key is in our pocket.... We can take all the northern ports of the Confederacy, and they can defy us from Vicksburg." Lincoln assured his listeners that "I am acquainted with that region and know what I am talking about, and as valuable as New Orleans will be to us, Vicksburg will be more so."

It was imperative for the administration in Washington to regain control of the lower Mississippi River, thereby re-opening that important avenue of commerce, enabling the rich agricultural produce of the Northwest to reach world markets. It would also split the Confederacy in two, sever that vital supply route, achieve a major objective of the Anaconda Plan, and effectively seal the doom of Richmond and the Confederacy. Vicksburg was the connecting link between the eastern and western parts of the Confederate States. The city sat astride a major Confederate supply route, over which the armies of Braxton Bragg and Robert E. Lee received much needed food, clothing, medicine and ammunition, as well as fresh troops.

The Vicksburg National Military Park is a somber place in winter, and a visit takes on a special feel. But just as Union generals spent a lot of time plotting their approach to Vicksburg, smart visitors will contemplate their best approach to touring the hallowed area.

The park, nearing its 100th birthday, is among the nation's largest reservations of its type. Details of the 47-day siege which led to the city's fall in 1863 are recorded in near-infinite detail. Also, markers, monuments and memorials in place along the park's miles and miles of tour road are each worthy of study for both their artistic and historic significance. So, the big question is how detailed a tour is desired. For many guests, a stop in the visitor Center is enough. Others may wish to follow that first stop with a self-guided tour using the park's brochure and stop at points of interest they choose. The next level up is a tape-guided tour, becoming more popular each year. But tapes don't answer specific questions. Vicksburg licensed park tour guides do. They're the optimum choice for those desiring a much more personal touch.

Of course any tour should include a stop at the USS Cairo museum and restoration site. There's nothing else like it - or the Vicksburg Park as a whole - anywhere else in the world. Tourism wasn't big business in 1895, but that was the year an aging Vicksburg resident informally suggested that some of the more important sites from the Siege of Vicksburg be marked for posterity. Tom Lewis was the gentleman's name. He'd been young during the 1863 fighting and had been serving as something of a tour guide during the balance of the century. Old soldiers would visit and consult with him about where they were stationed during the 47 days it took for Vicksburg to fall once Union forces dug in.

The idea for markers snowballed and Congress, which had approved military parks at Shiloh and Gettysburg, passed a bill preserving for posterity, initially, 1,200 acres in Vicksburg. The year was 1899 and in 1903 the first memorial to soldiers from Massachusetts was in place. Since then, all states which were represented in the struggle have provided monuments and markers detailing troop positions and activities have been put in place and maintained. In fact Tom Lewis's idea turned into one of the best-documented battlefields in the world. What that means is that the serious student of history can make a career of learning the tactics employed at what is now the Vicksburg National Military Park.

And the rest of us? We can appreciate the park for its beauty and its serenity. We can also be grateful that Lewis's proposal took root.

SCOUT GROUPS

RULES/REGULATION SHEET CERTIFICATION

I certify that I,_____________________________ have read and reviewed the Vicksburg National Military Park Rules and Regulation sheet for Scout Groups.

I certify that I fully understand the rules and regulations and will take all steps necessary to have my scout group comply with each and every rule and regulation.

NAME

DATE

SCOUT GROUP

ADDRESS

PHONE NUMBER

EMERGENCY CONTACT NAME

EMERGENCY PHONE NUMBER

NUMBER IN THE GROUP

TIME OF DEPARTURE ON THE TRAIL

1001 7 Mile Trek Patch $3.00

1002 7 Mile Trek Pin $1.50

2001 14 Mile Trail Patch $3.00

2002 14 Mile Trail Pin $1.50

2003 14 Mile Trail Medal $3.50

3001 12 Mile Hike Patch $3.00

3002 12 Mile Hike Pin $1.50

3003 12 Mile Hike Medal $3.50

3501 Trading "Tried-It" Patch $2.50

4001 Bicycle Tour Patch $3.00

4002 Bicycle Tour Pin $1.50

5001 VNMP Clean Up Crew $0.00

6001 Vicksburg City Tour Patch $3.00

7001 Multi-Hike Star $3.00

7002 Backpack Device $3.00

7003 Plastic Pin Backs $0.00

8002 Battle of Vicksburg Centennial Patch $10.00

8003 Grant's Canal '91 Patch $3.00

8004 125th Anniversary Patch $3.00

8006 Rendezvous '92 $2.00

8007 BSA Trek w/ BSA Lettering $5.00

8014 Bicentennial Trails Patch $10.00

8016 Civil War Commemorative Stamps $8.00

9003 Commemorative Coffee Mug $6.00

9004 40th Anniversary Patch $3.00

9006 OA Ordeal Sash Strips $3.00

9007 OA Brotherhood Sash Strips $3.00

9009 OA Legend Strips $10.00

9010 50th Anniversary OA Flap $10.00

9011 80th Anniversary OA Flap $4.00

9012 OA Lodge Pins $2.00

9013 40th Anniversary OA Lodge Pin $2.00

9015 OA Lodge Flaps $4.00

9017 OA Round Patch $4.00

CAMPING RULES AND REGULATIONS

1.Vicksburg National Military Park's camping area is a restricted, primitive camping area for boy and girl scouts, 4-H, or similar groups who utilize low-impact camping techniques. Neither water, electricity, phone, nor toilet facilities are available.

3.(sic) No more than two (2) groups are permitted to occupy the camping area at the same time. The total number of campers shall not exceed forty (40) for the two groups combined.

4.Camping arrangements shall be made in advance during regular park hours of 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM, by calling Park Ranger Tim Mauch (601) 636-0583. After hours arrangements can be made by calling Steve Elwart, Chairman, Vicksburg Trails Commission, at (601) 636-9788 (Trails Office).

5.Prior to entering the camping area, groups must register at the park's visitor center during the hours of 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM. The key to the gate barring access to the camping area can be picked up at the time of registration. Groups must complete the sign-in registration paperwork prior to departing for the camp.

6.The camping area's brown entrance gate must be closed at all times. The gate may be unlocked, but closed when the campsite is occupied. If the campsite is unoccupied, the gate must be locked The gate must be secured and locked at checkout time. The entrance gate key must be returned to the visitor center prior to departure of from the park.

7.Campfires are restricted to the council ring. Cooking may be accomplished over charcoal or using a gas stove. However, charcoal cooking fires or stoves must be suspended over the ground, not in pits. The collection of small diameter dead and down wood in the immediate area is permitted for campfires only.

All fires, including gas stoves, charcoal or cooking fires, or other flammable lanterns or sources of heat and / or light may be prohibited during periods of dryness when fire conditions are hazardous. Groups will be alerted at the time of registration regarding fire conditions. If the camping group desires to use the cleared council ring, permission must be obtained in advance. Violations of fire restrictions will result in the loss of privileges.

7.Digging, destruction of trees or vegetation, relic hunting, use of metal detectors, or killing or molestation of wildlife is prohibited. Violations may result in the issuance of citation(s) and / or loss of camping privileges. Campers are requested to bring portable toilets for use while in the camping area. The digging of "cat holes" is strictly prohibited.

8.All litter and refuse shall be picked up, removed, and properly disposed of off park property. The camping area should look as good, or better, at checkout than you found it during check-in. Park Service personnel will inspect the campsite after departure.

10.The entrance road to the camping area off of Short Sherman Avenue is unimproved and subject to driving problems during wet weather conditions.

11.Upon checkout of the camping area, the group will return the gate key to the visitor center the same day, between the hours of 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM.

12.Group leaders are charged with the responsibility of directly supervising each member of their group.

13.Vicksburg National Military Park reserves the right to cancel any camping agreement made at anytime with any group.

Any problems that arise after hours can be directed to the Park Watch (636-0583). If no answer, dial 911 for help.