African American Monument

A fortress city built on a high bluff where the Mississippi bends, Vicksburg spent 47 days under siege in 1863 before its surrender split the Confederacy and turned the war. The African American Monument — three bronze figures on black African granite — was dedicated in 2004, 141 years later, the first monument in any national military park to honor African American contributions in the Civil War. Approximately 1,300 United States Colored Troops served in the Vicksburg campaign. The inscription reads: "Serving in a double capacity, that of citizen and soldier." Dr. Shirley Whitfield Lucas, a Mississippi native, sculpted the figures. The monument stands along the park tour road, open during park hours. Admission is free.