One of the country’s most fascinating and well-preserved Civil War artifacts rests quietly just a few miles from Oak Hall. The USS Cairo, an ironclad gunboat raised from the depths of the Yazoo River, now stands in remarkable detail at the USS Cairo Museum. Visitors can walk around the reconstructed vessel, view recovered artifacts, and learn about the dramatic moment in 1862 when the Cairo became the first ship in history to be sunk by an electrically detonated mine.
The USS Cairo Museum is a must-see for anyone interested in American history, naval engineering, or battlefield innovation. But the museum is just one part of a much more extensive experience. The USS Cairo Museum is located inside the Vicksburg National Military Park, one of the most significant Civil War sites in the country. The park spans over 1,800 acres and includes over 1,300 monuments, memorials, and markers.
With so much to take in, a single day isn’t enough to appreciate everything Vicksburg offers. That’s why staying overnight at Oak Hall, one of Vicksburg’s best bed and breakfasts, is the perfect choice. This beautifully restored historic mansion is just minutes from the park entrance and offers a peaceful retreat after a day of exploring. Each guest room combines classic Southern charm with modern comfort, giving you space to unwind and reflect. Start planning your next getaway and book your lodging today!
The USS Cairo Museum & More Museums in Vicksburg, MS
One of the most compelling reasons to spend more than a day in Vicksburg is the USS Cairo Museum. Located inside the Vicksburg National Military Park, this museum is home to one of the best-preserved Civil War ironclads ever recovered. The USS Cairo was sunk in 1862 after striking a mine—an early example of naval warfare changing with technology.
Over a century later, it was raised from the Yazoo River, reconstructed, and carefully displayed. Walking alongside the massive hull gives you a tangible sense of the ship’s power and vulnerability. Inside the museum, you’ll find artifacts pulled from the wreck, including sailor gear, weapons, and even personal items like buttons and combs.
More Vicksburg, MS, Museums to Add to Your Itinerary:
Vicksburg’s museums offer far more than military history. Each opens a different window into the people, culture, and innovation shaping this Mississippi River city.
- Climb aboard the MV Mississippi IV, a retired river towboat, and explore exhibits on river life, the levee system, and how communities along the Mississippi have adapted to floods and change. The interactive displays make it a fun stop for all ages. The Jesse Brent Lower Mississippi River Museum dives deeper into river engineering and the story of how Vicksburg has worked with (and battled against) the river over time. It’s incredibly engaging for those interested in natural history and civil engineering.
- The Old Courthouse Museum is set inside a striking 1858 courthouse that survived the Civil War. It contains artifacts, including Confederate flags, antebellum clothing, and original documents. The building itself offers panoramic views of the city and the river.
- One of the unique things to do in Vicksburg is to visit the Biedenharn Coca-Cola Museum. Discover how Coca-Cola was first bottled in Vicksburg in 1894. The museum showcases antique bottling equipment, vintage advertisements, and a restored candy store and soda fountain. It’s a sweet and surprising stop downtown.
- Vicksburg is also home to the only African-American-owned Civil War Museum. The Vicksburg Civil War Museum offers a privately curated collection of authentic Civil War artifacts, explicitly focusing on the Siege of Vicksburg and the lesser-known stories of the black soldiers during the war. Exhibits include weapons, uniforms, medical tools, and personal items that bring the stories of soldiers and civilians to life.
These museums are located in or near Vicksburg’s walkable downtown area, making it easy to visit multiple sites in a day. They’re just minutes from Oak Hall, allowing you to explore at a relaxed pace without feeling rushed.
More Things to do at the Vicksburg National Military Park
Driving or walking through the Vicksburg National Military Park takes you through the story of the 47-day siege of Vicksburg, a critical turning point in the war. Whether you’re standing at the Illinois State Memorial, exploring the trenches, or tracing the battlefield routes, every part of the park adds depth and meaning to the history preserved here. There’s much more to see at the Vicksburg National Military Park than just the USS Cairo Museum. Here are other highlights that make the park worth a full day—or even two:
- The Vicksburg National Cemetery is a solemn and powerful site, home to the remains of over 17,000 Union soldiers.
- The Illinois State Memorial, modeled after the Roman Pantheon, is one of the park’s most photographed structures.
- Shirley House is the only surviving wartime structure inside the park, offering insight into civilian life during the siege.
- The Visitor Center Film & Exhibits is the perfect place to start your visit. It features a 20-minute film and museum displays that provide essential background.
- The Civil War battlefields are part of the big draw for many to the Vicksburg National Military Park. You can see original trench lines, artillery placements, and battlefield terrain here. Throughout the year, you may even catch some reenactments with talented historians.
- One of the easiest ways to explore the park is on the driving tour with an audio guide. You can download the official app or pick up a guidebook to learn about key points along the scenic 16-mile loop.
Oak Hall blends timeless elegance with warm Southern hospitality, making it a memorable place to stay while exploring Vicksburg. Each guest room is thoughtfully appointed with antique furnishings, plush bedding, and modern comforts that invite you to relax and linger. Our Inn is a beautifully restored example of Vicksburg’s architectural history, surrounded by peaceful gardens and quiet charm. Whether you’re sipping coffee on the porch or returning after a day at the USS Cairo museum, our B&B offers the kind of stay that feels both refined and personal—an experience that’s as much a part of your visit as the sights themselves. Book your lodging today!
