USS Cairo Gunboat and Museum
A Civil War ironclad gunboat sunk by a mine in 1862 and raised a century later. Its hull and recovered artifacts are displayed at the northern end of the military park.
USS Cairo was a city-class ironclad gunboat of the Union Navy. In December 1862, it was sunk on the Yazoo River north of Vicksburg by a Confederate electrically detonated mine, becoming the first warship in history sunk by a mine. The hull was preserved in the riverbed mud for a century. It was raised in 1964 and is now displayed under a shelter, with the original keel and a reconstructed framework. Visitors can walk the trail around the hull for a close look at the gun ports and paddlewheels. The adjacent museum displays weapons, tableware and personal belongings recovered from the ship. It sits along the middle of the military park's loop road, is included in the park admission, and is right next to Vicksburg National Cemetery.
Opening hours
About 08:30–17:00
Nearby sights
- Anchuca
- Old Court House Museum
- Vicksburg National Military Park
- Lower Mississippi River Museum
- Vicksburg Riverfront Murals
- Biedenharn Coca-Cola Museum
- Catfish Row Art Park
- McRaven House