USS Cairo
Museum Civil War ironclad gunboat preserved at museum
Civil War ironclad sunk in the Yazoo River and later recovered for display in Vicksburg; visitors view the restored hull, artifacts and exhibits on riverine warfare.
USS Cairo is a Union Navy City-class ironclad gunboat from the American Civil War that was sunk during operations on the Yazoo River in 1862 and later raised and conserved for public display in Mississippi.
Built for the Union Navy early in the Civil War, the Cairo was sunk by an electrically detonated mine while engaged in river operations in December 1862. The hull and thousands of artifacts were raised and conserved in the 20th century and placed on display to illustrate naval and riverine warfare of the period.
The conserved hull and museum display are located in Mississippi, near Vicksburg, at a national military park museum complex that houses the vessel and its artifacts.
- Notable fact: The vessel was the first U.S. warship sunk by an electrically detonated naval mine during the American Civil War, and its hull was raised and conserved in the 20th century.
What to See #
- USS Cairo Museum display: A conservation gallery and display where the ship's ironclad hull and a large collection of recovered artifacts are conserved and interpreted for the public.
How to Get to USS Cairo #
The USS Cairo Museum is located within Vicksburg National Military Park, about 10 minutes by car from central Vicksburg. The park is served by U.S. Route 61 and local roads; follow signs for the Vicksburg National Military Park and the USS Cairo Museum within the park grounds.
Tips for Visiting USS Cairo #
- Visit the USS Cairo Museum early in the day to avoid peak visitor flows at Vicksburg National Military Park.
- Combine the Cairo visit with the Vicksburg National Military Park driving tour to understand the Civil War context.
- Allow time to watch the short museum film and to examine the recovered artifacts and ironclad sections up close.
Best Time to Visit USS Cairo #
Spring and fall are the most comfortable seasons for touring the park and outdoor exhibits; check the National Park Service site for current opening hours and admission.
Weather & Climate near USS Cairo #
USS Cairo's climate is classified as Humid Subtropical - Humid Subtropical climate with hot summers (peaking in July) and cold winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 2°C to 33°C. Abundant rainfall (1425 mm/year), wettest in March.
January
January is the coolest month with highs of 13°C and lows of 2°C. Significant rainfall (139 mm).
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February
February is cold with highs of 16°C and lows of 3°C. Significant rainfall (128 mm).
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March
March is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 7°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (158 mm).
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April
April is cool with highs of 24°C and lows of 11°C. Significant rainfall (132 mm).
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May
May is mild with highs of 28°C and lows of 16°C. Significant rainfall (131 mm).
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June
June is warm with highs of 32°C and lows of 20°C. Regular rainfall (97 mm).
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July
July is the warmest month with highs of 33°C and lows of 22°C. Significant rainfall (101 mm).
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August
August is warm with highs of 33°C and lows of 21°C. Regular rainfall (86 mm).
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September
September is warm with highs of 31°C and lows of 18°C. Moderate rainfall (79 mm).
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October
October is mild with highs of 26°C and lows of 12°C. Regular rainfall (96 mm).
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November
November is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 7°C. Significant rainfall (122 mm).
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December
December is cold with highs of 15°C and lows of 3°C. Significant rainfall (156 mm).
