Lower Mississippi River Museum – Vicksburg MS

Joan and I took some time to walk around the historic district of Vicksburg, MS. Close to the river and minutes from the old train station we found the Lower Mississippi River Museum. The museum has been created by the US Army Corps of Engineers and access is free. The museum provides an extensive amount of information about the Mississippi river and river life in the area. There is an excellent movie about the river and how it has impacted the area throughout the years. The museum also documented the great flood of 1927 which displaced over 900,000 people.

The Museum

The museum has a number of displays describing the use of steamboats and the major impact the Mississippi river made on transportation during the 1800s. Aside from the riverboat models, there are a number of pictures and information about this period of transportation and trade. One area of interest was a large wall timeline showing life along the river from the later 1700s to present.

M/V Mississippi IV

Another area of interest is the M/V Mississippi IV and the displays showing life aboard this vessel. The former towboat was used by the US Corps of Engineers for over 30 years. The Mississippi IV served multiple roles to for the Corps delivering goods and equipment along the river project sites. This workboat, its powerful engines and size made it an ideal vessel to handle large towing needs, rough waters and annual river inspections.

Entering the main floor of the vessel we discovered the hearing area, a large public space and dining area. The boat has 22 staterooms and can transport 150 passengers and was often used by the Corps as a giant floating ambassador. The Mississippi IV was often used to host public meetings for the Mississippi River Commission. We were able to tour the main and second deck house, engine rooms and the pilot house. Although decommissioned in 1993, the vessel saw duty again in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina and was used as a flowing command center.

Additional information:

Lower Mississippi River Museum – https://www.mvk.usace.army.mil/Missions/Recreation/Jesse-Brent-Lower-Mississippi-River-Museum/Exhibits/

Not sure about what RV accessories you need as you start RV travel? Check out our RV Accessories page where we have listed a wide range of products from essential items to those “nice to have” RV products to make RV life more enjoyable. Every item listed is being used or has been used by Joan and I as we’ve traveled across the country in our RV.
 

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