The U.S.S. Cairo is a Civil War-era gunboat that sits at Vicksburg National Military Park. Commissioned in January 1862, the U.S.S. Cairo was one of seven ironclad gunboats that the Union used in attempts to regain control of the lower Mississippi River. The Cairo was sunk in the Yazoo River after coming under enemy fire. It sat immersed in roughly 40 feet of water until 1965, when the remains of the gunboat were towed to a shipyard for restoration. Today, the U.S.S. Cairo sits along the tour road at the U.S.S. Cairo Museum . The museum contains all sorts of artifacts that were recovered from the ship years after it sunk.

3201 Clay Street, Vicksburg, MS 39183, Phone: 601-636-0583

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