Vicksburg

City and port in west Mississippi, USA, on the east bank of the Mississippi River; population (2000) 26,400. Industries include shipping and boat and vehicle building. It is a popular tourist destination because of its importance in the American Civil War, commemorated in the Vicksburg national military park, which encircles the city.

During the Civil War Vicksburg was fortified to prevent the passage of Union ships up and down the Mississippi River, and was the last Confederate stronghold on the Mississippi. It was besieged by General Ulysses S Grant December 1862–July 1863, and his successful capture of Vicksburg brought the whole Mississippi front under Union control.