The U.S.S. Cairo Museum at Vicksburg National Battlefield Park

Adjacent to the Vicksburg National Cemetery at the Battlefield is the U.S.S. Cairo (pronounced Karo, like the syrup) Gunboat and Museum.  The U.S.S. Cairo is one of seven Union ironclad gunboats named in honor of towns also the upper Mississippi and Ohio Rivers.

After two engagements in Plum Point and Memphis, the U.S.S. Cairo was damaged by explosions during a mine sweeping operation on the Yazoo River, north of Vicksburg, on December 12, 1862.  It sunk in 36 feet of water.  All hands evacuated safely.

After lying in the Yazoo River for 98 years, the pilot house and other artifacts were recovered.  In 1977, the U.S.S. Cairo was recovered its watery grave and brought to Vicksburg National Battlefield Park where it was partially reconstructed.  A museum was built to house the artifacts that were recovered.

The U.S.S. Cairo

was brought to this

site in 1977.

The tent that covers the
gunboat was constructed
in 1980.

The gunship's

port side cannons

The gunboat's
original hull

Photo from the rear of

the gunboat shows the

paddle wheel.

The Museum has the ships bell &
many, many artifacts.