Grand Gulf Military State Park facts for kids
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Grand Gulf Military State Park
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Confederate Memorial Chapel, built in 1868, was moved to Grand Gulf Military State Park from Rodney, Mississippi in 1983.
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 Location in Mississippi
Location in the United States
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| Nearest city | Port Gibson |
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| Area | 400 acres (160 ha) |
| NRHP reference No. | 72000689 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | April 11, 1972 |
Grand Gulf Military State Park is a special park in Mississippi. It's about 10 miles northwest of Port Gibson. This park is in an area that used to be the town of Grand Gulf. Today, Grand Gulf is a ghost town, meaning most people have moved away.
The park is famous for its role in the American Civil War. It holds the remains of two forts, Fort Cobun and Fort Wade. These forts helped stop Ulysses S. Grant's army during the Battle of Grand Gulf. Later, Grant used Grand Gulf as his main base. The park is recognized as a National Historic Place and a Mississippi Landmark.
This 400-acre park offers many things to see and do. You can explore the old fort earthworks, visit the Grand Gulf Cemetery, and learn at the museum. There are also campgrounds, picnic spots, hiking trails, and an observation tower. You can even see some restored old buildings.
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The Story of Grand Gulf
Grand Gulf was once a busy port town on the Mississippi River. Ships would come and go, making it an important place for trade. However, during the American Civil War, the town was badly damaged. After the war, the Mississippi River changed its path. This meant ships could no longer reach Grand Gulf easily. Because of these changes, people started to leave, and the town slowly became a ghost town.
The Battle of Grand Gulf
The Battle of Grand Gulf happened in April 1863 during the Civil War. Union forces, led by General Ulysses S. Grant, tried to cross the Mississippi River here. They wanted to attack the Confederate army. However, the Confederate soldiers at Fort Cobun and Fort Wade fought back strongly. They used their cannons to stop Grant's ships.
Grant's forces were unable to land at Grand Gulf. This battle showed how important the forts were. After this, Grant moved his army further south. He eventually crossed the river at a different spot.
After the Battle
Even though Grant couldn't land at Grand Gulf, the area became important to him. After the Battle of Port Gibson, Grant used Grand Gulf as a supply base. This meant his army got food, weapons, and other important items from here. It played a key role in his plan to capture Vicksburg.
What You Can See Today
When you visit Grand Gulf Military State Park, you can step back in time. You can walk where soldiers once stood and imagine the battles.
Fort Cobun and Fort Wade
These are the remains of the two forts that defended Grand Gulf. You can see the earthworks, which are walls made of dirt. These dirt walls protected the soldiers and their cannons. Exploring these areas helps you understand how battles were fought long ago.
The Museum
The park's museum has many artifacts and exhibits. You can learn more about the Civil War and the history of Grand Gulf. It's a great place to see old uniforms, weapons, and tools.
Observation Tower
Climb the observation tower for amazing views of the park and the surrounding area. You can see the old riverbed and imagine the busy port Grand Gulf once was.
Confederate Memorial Chapel
The Confederate Memorial Chapel is a beautiful old building. It was built in 1868 and later moved to the park in 1983. It's a peaceful place to visit and learn about the past.
Images for kids
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Overview of the Fort Wade earth works.
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Ammunition magazine at Fort Wade. The magazine was excavated in the late 1970s.
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Remaining earth works of Fort Cobun.
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Observation tower at Grand Gulf Military Park
