Donors Keep Vicksburg Military Site Open Amid Government Shutdown
Most of Mississippi's national parks and monuments are closed due to the federal government shutdown. However, the Vicksburg National Military Park is an exception, having reopened with donations from the nonprofit Friends of Vicksburg National Military Park.
The park initially closed on October 1 but reopened the next day thanks to the agreement. Currently, the visitor center, USS Cairo Gunboat & Museum, tour roads, and restrooms are open to visitors, although the park is operating with limited staff.
“We are not a massive nonprofit, so we do have limited resources,” said Bess Averett, executive director of Friends of Vicksburg National Military Park. “So far, the public has been very generous.”
Operating the park during the shutdown costs $2,000 a day. Keeping the park closed would make it vulnerable to vandalism and relic hunting, and would also hurt the local economy by turning away visitors.
Other sites, like the Medgar and Myrlie Evers Home in Jackson, remain closed.
Author's summary: Donors keep Vicksburg park open despite shutdown.