Surrender Weekend

Rangers in period uniform demonstrate the proper drill and firing of the rifled musket

NPS/ C. Fields

Rifled Musket Firing Demonstrations

Visitors will get to learn about life as a Civil War infantryman firsthand as staff demonstrate the firing of the rifled musket.

Firing demonstrations are scheduled for:

Friday, July 5, 2024 - Sunday, July 7, 2024

At the Park Visitor Center:
10:00 AM each day

*Inclement weather or unusually high heat indexes will cancel these events.

 

Morgan Gates (left) and Curt Fields (right) stand against a tree discussing the terms of surrendering Vicksburg.

Morgan Gates

The Last 24-Hours: Grant and Pemberton Tell All

Curt Fields and Morgan Gates will again take their places as Ulysses S. Grant and John C. Pemberton as they discuss the experiences each commander faced during the Vicksburg Campaign. Fields and Gates are considered the preeminent scholars of their respective personas and will bring life to these historic figures using their own words to tell the story of the siege and surrender of Vicksburg.

Their first-person program titled "The Last 24-Hours" will be held on Saturday, July 6th and Sunday, July 7th at the Visitor Center theater at 11:00 AM and 2:00 PM.

 

Doug Baum discusses the history of 'Old Douglas' during the siege of Vicksburg.

NPS

Life of a Soldier with Douglas the Camel

Stationed at the Visitor Center will be Doug Baum and his Texas Camel Corps representing Douglas, the mascot of the 43rd Mississippi Infantry. Mr. Baum and his camels are a Vicksburg staple that enhances another unique aspect of this watershed moment in American History: the Vicksburg campaign.

Douglas will be at the Visitor Center on Friday, July 5th to Sunday, July 7th from 9:00 AM-12:00 PM.

Come out and see them!