Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith issued the following statement.
U.S. Senators Roger Wicker (R-Miss.) and Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.) today celebrated unanimous Senate approval of the Vicksburg National Military Park Boundary Modification Act, clearing it to be sent to President Trump.
This legislation (HR.4467) directs the U.S. Department of the Interior to convey property to the State of Mississippi for the construction of an interpretive visitor center and to make necessary structural improvements around the park. Wicker and Hyde-Smith sponsored the Senate companion bill (S.1016).
“Every generation has a solemn responsibility to preserve our nation’s history for the ones that follow,” said Senator Wicker. “The Senate is helping fulfill that duty, unanimously approving our legislation to enhance the experience of visiting Vicksburg National Military Park. This legislation will support Mississippi’s efforts to keep the story of Vicksburg alive and accessible for students, families, and visitors.”
“This is a monumental step for Vicksburg National Military Park and the State of Mississippi. The land transfer facilitated by this legislation gives the state the ability to tell the complete story of the Siege of Vicksburg for generations to come,” Senator Hyde-Smith said. “I look forward to seeing these improvements to enhance one of Mississippi’s most visited and treasured parks.”
The legislation slightly alters the boundaries of Vicksburg National Military Park, transferring approximately seven acres to the State of Mississippi. The state has committed $40 million to fund an interactive educational and visitor center in conjunction with Friends of Vicksburg Military Park. In addition, the state plans to build and maintain a connector road to make the new center accessible for park visitors.
“This was a great example of Mississippi’s team approach,” said Barry White, Director of the Mississippi Department of Archives and History. “Senator Wicker, Senator Hyde-Smith, and Congressman Thompson all played vital roles in advancing this legislation. This transfer from the federal government to the state is just one more step toward the public/private partnership that will elevate the Vicksburg Civil War Visitors Center.”
“The Vicksburg National Military Park is a critical driver of our local economy but we know that impact could be so much more,” said Bess Averett, Executive Director of the Friends of the Vicksburg National Military Park and Campaign. “Our plans for a new Vicksburg Civil War Visitors Center will tell the full story of this pivotal part of our nation’s history. We are so thankful to our whole Congressional delegation for securing this land transfer bill and allowing us to move forward with our plans.”
The Siege of Vicksburg represents a marquee moment in Mississippi history and a turning point in the Civil War. To commemorate this pivotal event, Congress in 1899 established a national park in Vicksburg, which the National Park Service has overseen and managed since 1933.
10 comments:
This park is an unbelievable place. It is so beautiful and also a stark reminder of the tragedy of that war. some of the best landscape/views in Mississippi is on the north side of the park. If you have the chance, take a visit soon and enjoy one of Mississippi’s gems. Always worth the trip. So much history and such an incredible memorial.
Unfortunately, Vicksburg itself has fallen far. I think they are in a similar situation to Jackson in that incompetent leadership led to crime and a mass exodus of people. The roads downtown are in awful shape. Great restaurants and the Old Courthouse Museum is a gem too. But sad to see what bad leadership has done to the place.
now fix the trace signs and trails. it looks like a walking dead stage
@2:21. Some of my favorite restaurants, homes, and museums are in Vicksburg. It's a shame that years of political ineptness has led to the current crime and infrastructure problems. Unlike Jackson, I think that Vicksburg can be saved because of the tourism potential.
I wish they would send some money to the Mississippi section of the Natchez Trace Parkway.
Make that DEMOCRAT leadership
Does Cindy know the war is over?
On a serious note, the Park is beautiful and an incredible historic site and should be maintained and preserved.
Vicksburg and Jackson are both save-able no doubt. You just have to deport about 50% of the population of both towns first. What beautiful cities they could be again…
Low.
Vicksburg National Military Park is subpar compared to Civil war sites in Tennessee, Georgia, Virginia, Maryland and Pennsylvania. Gettysburg, Pa. Is a prime example of a community that has embraced their History and profited from it.
@5:57 - what do you think the difference is between Gettysburg, PA and Vicksburg, MS?
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