BACKGROUND: The Senate National Parks Subcommittee will hold a hearing on Senate Bill 265 today.  The bill was introduced last spring by Sens. Thad Cochran (R-MS) and Roger Wicker (R-MS) to protect critical lands at Vicksburg National Military Park.  If enacted, the bill would authorize the National Park Service to acquire approximately 10,000 acres of property significant to the preservation of the historic battlefield sites for addition to Vicksburg National Military Park.

The State of Mississippi, Friends of Raymond, and Civil War Trust hold 1,050 acres of this land, and have conservation easements on an additional 1,171 acres. They have expressed strong interest in this land becoming part of the national park.

“As we commemorate the 150th anniversary of the American Civil War, we applaud Sens. Cochran (R-MS) and Wicker (R-MS) for their leadership in introducing S. 265 to protect land that is critical in telling the story of the battle at Vicksburg. If enacted, hallowed ground at Champion Hill, Port Gibson, and Raymond battlefields will be added to the Vicksburg National Military Park.

“Acting now will ensure that our children and grandchildren can experience and better understand the historical significance of this chapter in American history. During the battle of Vicksburg, more than 100,000 troops fought for control of the Mississippi River. Protecting these battlefields will help shed light on the causes and consequences of the Civil War as well as the acts of heroism on both sides of the conflict.

“National parks are outdoor classrooms where history comes to life and are places for wonderful and affordable family vacations.  The addition of these critical lands to Vicksburg National Military Park will enrich the national park experience and will forever preserve and protect our American heritage.”

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