Vicksburg, Mississippi
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| Vicksburg, Mississippi | |
|---|---|
| Name | Vicksburg |
| Settlement type | City |
| Nickname | "The Key City", "The Red Carpet City of the South" |
| Pushpin label | Vicksburg |
| Coordinates | 32, 21, N, 90... |
| Subdivision type | Country |
| Subdivision name | United States |
| Subdivision type1 | State |
| Subdivision name1 | Mississippi |
| Subdivision type2 | County |
| Subdivision name2 | Warren |
| Established title | Founded |
| Established date | 1811 |
| Established title2 | Incorporated |
| Established date2 | 1825 |
| Government type | Mayor–Council |
| Leader title | Mayor |
| Leader name | George Flaggs Jr. |
| Unit pref | Imperial |
| Area total sq mi | 35.30 |
| Area land sq mi | 32.90 |
| Area water sq mi | 2.40 |
| Elevation ft | 240 |
| Population total | 21056 |
| Population as of | 2020 |
| Population density sq mi | auto |
| Timezone | CST |
| Utc offset | -6 |
| Timezone DST | CDT |
| Utc offset DST | -5 |
| Postal code type | ZIP Codes |
| Postal code | 39180–39183 |
| Area code | 601, 769 |
| Blank name | FIPS code |
| Blank info | 28-76720 |
| Blank1 name | GNIS feature ID |
| Blank1 info | 0679151 |
| Website | www.vicksburg.org |
Vicksburg, Mississippi is a historic city and the county seat of Warren County, strategically located on a high bluff overlooking a bend in the Mississippi River. Founded in 1811 and incorporated in 1825, its pivotal role in the American Civil War, particularly during the Siege of Vicksburg, cemented its place in national history. Today, it is a center for tourism, river commerce, and federal operations, blending deep historical significance with modern economic activity.
History
The area was originally inhabited by the Natchez people and later became part of the Spanish West Florida colony. Following the Treaty of San Lorenzo, the United States established Fort McHenry here, with the settlement initially named Walnut Hills. Incorporated in 1825 and renamed for local Methodist minister Newitt Vick, it grew rapidly as a critical cotton and steamboat port. The American Civil War reached a climax here with the Vicksburg campaign led by Union General Ulysses S. Grant, culminating in a decisive 47-day Siege of Vicksburg that concluded with the city's surrender on July 4, 1863, a turning point that gave the Union control of the Mississippi River. In the 20th century, the city was impacted by the Great Mississippi Flood of 1927, leading to major Army Corps of Engineers projects like the Yazoo Diversion Canal.
Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 35.3 square miles, of which 32.9 square miles is land and 2.4 square miles is water. It is situated on the eastern bank of the Mississippi River, directly across from Louisiana, within the Mississippi Alluvial Plain. The city's topography is defined by steep, loess bluffs and ravines, with key waterways including the Yazoo River and its tributaries. It lies along Interstate 20 and is served by the Vicksburg Municipal Airport. The climate is classified as humid subtropical, with hot summers and mild winters.
Demographics
As of the 2020 United States Census, the population was 21,056, a decline from previous decades. The racial makeup was approximately 70.5% African American, 26.8% White, 0.4% Asian American, and 1.1% identifying as two or more races; Hispanic or Latino residents comprised 1.4% of the population. The median household income was below the state average, with a poverty rate higher than the national figure. Educational attainment data shows a significant portion of the adult population holds a high school diploma or higher.
Economy
The economy has historically been driven by the Mississippi River, with the Port of Vicksburg remaining an active hub for barge traffic and bulk commodities. Major employers include the United States Army Corps of Engineers Waterways Experiment Station, the VA Medical Center, and Ergon, a refining and manufacturing company. Casino gaming, anchored by properties like Ameristar Casino Hotel Vicksburg, is a significant component of the tourism and hospitality sector. Light manufacturing, healthcare via providers like Merit Health River Region, and retail trade also contribute substantially to the local economy.
Culture and recreation
The city is renowned for its extensive Civil War history, centered on the Vicksburg National Military Park, which preserves the battlefield and includes the USS Cairo Museum. Other notable sites include the Old Court House Museum, the Biedenharn Coca-Cola Museum, and the Lower Mississippi River Museum. Annual events include the Vicksburg Riverfest, the Vicksburg Homecoming Festival, and commemorations of the Siege of Vicksburg. The local arts scene is supported by the Vicksburg Theatre Guild and the Southern Cultural Heritage Foundation. Culinary traditions highlight Southern cuisine, including Delta hot tamales.
Government
Vicksburg operates under a mayor–council form of government. The city is led by Mayor George Flaggs Jr. and a seven-member Board of Aldermen elected from single-member wards. It is the county seat of Warren County, sharing some services with the county government. The city provides standard municipal services including police through the Vicksburg Police Department, fire protection, water, and sewer services. It falls within Mississippi's 2nd congressional district, represented in the United States House of Representatives by Bennie Thompson.
Category:Vicksburg, Mississippi Category:Cities in Mississippi Category:Warren County, Mississippi Category:County seats in Mississippi Category:Populated places on the Mississippi River