by Frank Corder, Magnolia Tribune
(Photo from Senator Wicker on Facebook)
The full Mississippi federal delegation welcomed the signing of the Vicksburg National Military Park Boundary Modification Act into law last week at a groundbreaking ceremony.
The legislation permits the State of Mississippi to build a new informational visitor center and make necessary structural improvements around the park.
Congressman Bennie Thompson (D) introduced the legislation in the U.S. House of Representatives, which was approved on March 16.
Last month, U.S. Senators Roger Wicker (R) and Cindy Hyde-Smith (R) led the effort to push the bill through the Senate, where it received unanimous support.
The national park to mark the Siege of Vicksburg, a key event in the Civil War, was established in 1899. Since 1933, the National Park Service has overseen and managed the landmark.
The federal legislation slightly alters the boundaries of Vicksburg National Military Park, transferring a small piece of the land to the State of Mississippi’s jurisdiction. A $114 million Visitor Center and Museum will be built on the land, with the state committing $40 million to fund the interactive center.
“We are grateful for the effective leadership of Mississippi’s entire Congressional delegation in passing this law,” said Barry White, Executive Director of the Mississippi Department of Archives and History. “Senator Wicker, Senator Hyde-Smith, and Congressman Thompson have been steadfast partners in preserving our state’s history and improving the experience for those who come to Mississippi to understand it. This new law clears the way for the next chapter of that work in Vicksburg and reflects their shared commitment to Mississippi.”
The Mississippi delegation released the following joint statement on the milestone:
“Vicksburg National Military Park tells a core part of Mississippi’s story, and it is a key source of economic activity in the South Delta. We came together in a bipartisan manner to move this legislation through Congress and support our state’s efforts to preserve this chapter of our history.
“We are grateful to President Trump for signing this bill into law and to all of our partners in Congress and Mississippi who made this moment possible. As we celebrate this occasion, we are excited for the countless students, families, and visitors who will experience this part of our history when visiting Vicksburg.”