On Thursday, October 23^rd from 10:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Vicksburg National Military Park will host an encampment  of the 3^rd US Colored Cavalry reenactors on the front lawn adjoining the visitor center.   The reenactors and park ranger Dr. David Slay will conduct ranger talks and educational programs at that time.

The 3^rd US Colored Cavalry was recruited from formerly enslaved men from the Vicksburg area in late fall 1863 and became the first African American cavalry regiment to serve in the United States military.  The men quickly adapted to military life and became one of the finest cavalry regiments to serve in the Civil War.  They called themselves the “Black Horse Cavalry.”  They were based at Hayne’s Bluff during the first year of their service and engaged in numerous raids, scouts, and engagements in this area including the battle of Yazoo City, the raid on Vaughan Station, and the Woodville Raid.  

Park hours are 8am to 5pm daily with the U.S.S. Cairo Museum opening at 8:30am.

For further information on this or other Special Programs check the park website at www.nps.gov/vick or calling 601-636-0583.