MISS. DELEGATION CELEBRATES VICKSBURG NATIONAL MILITARY PARK BILL SIGNED INTO LAW

WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senators Roger Wicker (R-Miss.) and Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.) and U.S. Representatives Bennie Thompson (D-Miss.), Trent Kelly (R-Miss.), Michael Guest (R-Miss.), and Mike Ezell (R-Miss.) today welcomed the signing of the Vicksburg National Military Park Boundary Modification Act into law.

President Trump on Tuesday signed the legislation (HR.4467), which permits the State of Mississippi to build a new informational visitor center and make necessary structural improvements around the park.

The Mississippi congressional delegation issued the following joint statement: "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."

Thompson introduced HR.4467, which was cosponsored by all Mississippi House members, and which cleared the U.S. House of Representatives on March 16, 2026. Last month, Senators Wicker and Hyde-Smith, who sponsored companion legislation in the Senate, led the effort to secure unanimous Senate support for HR.4467. Tomorrow, Mississippi leaders will gather at the national park for a groundbreaking ceremony for the new visitor center.

This legislation slightly alters the boundaries of Vicksburg National Military Park, transferring a small piece of the land to the State of Mississippi's jurisdiction. The state has committed $40 million to fund an interactive educational and visitor center in conjunction with Friends of Vicksburg Military Park. In addition, the state plans to build and maintain a connector road to make the new center accessible for park visitors.

"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 enactment of this land transfer law is a testament to the effectiveness of our Congressional delegation and their ability to work together for the good of Mississippi," said Bess Averett, Executive Director of the Friends of the Vicksburg National Military Park and Campaign. "By enacting this law, the State of Mississippi, with federal funding and support from our local governments and the private sector, will be able to construct a new Visitors Center that will tell the full story of the Vicksburg Campaign and grow the region's economy."

The Siege of Vicksburg represents a marquee moment in Mississippi history and a turning point in the Civil War. To commemorate this event, Congress established a national park in 1899. Since 1933, the National Park Service has overseen and managed this landmark.

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