USS Cairo, Civil War museum ship in Vicksburg, United States
The USS Cairo is an iron-plated gunboat with 13-inch thick wooden walls, displaying military equipment and naval artifacts from 1862. The restored vessel allows visitors to explore three decks and view over 1,000 recovered items in the adjacent museum.
The gunboat was built in 1861 and was among the first vessels reinforced with iron plating. It sank in December 1862 after striking underwater mines in the Yazoo River, a defining moment in how navies would approach warfare.
The vessel reflects how Civil War naval service brought together people from different backgrounds who lived and worked in tight quarters aboard ship. Personal items on display show how crew members spent their time and expressed themselves during their service.
The ship is located in Vicksburg National Military Park and is accessible year-round with on-site guides available. Visitors should wear comfortable shoes, as climbing the narrow stairs between decks requires physical effort.
River mud that covered the vessel preserved everyday items belonging to the crew from the 1860s, including playing cards, clothing, and cooking utensils. These finds offer a rare look into the personal lives of sailors who served aboard.
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