Escape the Modern World at Vicksburg National Military Park
September 20, 2017
Vicksburg National Military Park
Press Release
September 20, 2017
For Immediate Release
Escape the Modern World at Vicksburg National Military Park
VICKSBURG, MS: Come walk a historic road at Vicksburg National Military Park without the noise or congestion from vehicles! Take a step back in time and experience part of Vicksburg National Military Park as some of the first visitors did over 100 years ago.
While Confederate Avenue is still closed to vehicle traffic, it remains open to pedestrians and bicycles, providing both with the unique opportunity to see a section of the tour road without any vehicles. For two miles along Confederate Avenue, self-powered visitors and leashed pets can experience Vicksburg National Military Park without the impact from cars and buses.
Please use caution when approaching the section of damaged road, obey all caution signs and travel through the grass to avoid the damaged area. The detour through the grass is only about 20 yards. Users are encouraged to park at Fort Hill to access this section of Confederate Avenue.
Wildlife sightings have increased along this section of road. Numerous visitors have reported multiple deer sightings over the last few days. “We encourage all visitors, especially our local community, to take advantage of this unique opportunity,” remarked Acting Superintendent Sarah Davis. “While it is unfortunate that the road is closed, visitors now get the rare chance to experience a section of the park in a more pristine setting. As you walk this section, the park seems to come to life- you can hear the birds, insects, and the occasional animal-sounds you wouldn’t experience from the car.”
Confederate Avenue from Fort Hill to Graveyard Road was closed to vehicles in early September when a park maintenance employee discovered the road was undermined from erosion and at risk or collapse. While there is no timeline for when the road will reopen, the Federal Highways Administration was on site last week to begin their assessment of the damage. The remainder of Confederate Avenue and all other roads remain open to vehicles. Further press releases will be issued as updates are available.
www.nps.gov
About the National Park Service: More than 20,000 National Park Service employees care for America’s national parks and work with communities across the nation to help preserve local history and create close-to-home recreational opportunities. Learn more at www.nps.gov.
While Confederate Avenue is still closed to vehicle traffic, it remains open to pedestrians and bicycles, providing both with the unique opportunity to see a section of the tour road without any vehicles. For two miles along Confederate Avenue, self-powered visitors and leashed pets can experience Vicksburg National Military Park without the impact from cars and buses.
Please use caution when approaching the section of damaged road, obey all caution signs and travel through the grass to avoid the damaged area. The detour through the grass is only about 20 yards. Users are encouraged to park at Fort Hill to access this section of Confederate Avenue.
Wildlife sightings have increased along this section of road. Numerous visitors have reported multiple deer sightings over the last few days. “We encourage all visitors, especially our local community, to take advantage of this unique opportunity,” remarked Acting Superintendent Sarah Davis. “While it is unfortunate that the road is closed, visitors now get the rare chance to experience a section of the park in a more pristine setting. As you walk this section, the park seems to come to life- you can hear the birds, insects, and the occasional animal-sounds you wouldn’t experience from the car.”
Confederate Avenue from Fort Hill to Graveyard Road was closed to vehicles in early September when a park maintenance employee discovered the road was undermined from erosion and at risk or collapse. While there is no timeline for when the road will reopen, the Federal Highways Administration was on site last week to begin their assessment of the damage. The remainder of Confederate Avenue and all other roads remain open to vehicles. Further press releases will be issued as updates are available.
www.nps.gov
About the National Park Service: More than 20,000 National Park Service employees care for America’s national parks and work with communities across the nation to help preserve local history and create close-to-home recreational opportunities. Learn more at www.nps.gov.
Contact:
Scott Babinowich
scott_babinowich@nps.gov, 601-619-2905
