Civil War Battlefield and Museum on the Mississippi River — Site of the April 29, 1863 Battle of Grand Gulf During the Vicksburg Campaign, Restored Fort Cobun and Fort Wade Confederate Earthworks That Repelled Admiral Porter’s Union Gunboat Fleet, Civil War Museum With Artifacts Weaponry Uniforms and Battle Documentation, Historic Confederate Cemetery, Nature Trail Along the Dramatic Mississippi River Bluffs With Panoramic River Views, Campground With Full-Hookup RV Sites and Primitive Tent Camping, Fishing Access and Boat Ramp on the Mississippi River, Near Port Gibson Claiborne County Southwestern Mississippi
Grand Gulf Military Park is a state-managed military park and Civil War battlefield on the Mississippi River near Port Gibson, Claiborne County, southwestern Mississippi, managed by the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks. The park features the site of the April 29, 1863 Battle of Grand Gulf — a major naval engagement during General Ulysses S. Grant’s Vicksburg Campaign, restored Fort Cobun and Fort Wade Confederate earthworks that successfully repelled Admiral David Porter’s Union gunboat fleet of seven warships and three transports, a Civil War museum housing authentic period artifacts including weaponry, uniforms, military equipment, and detailed battle documentation, a historic Confederate cemetery, nature trails along the dramatic Mississippi River bluffs with panoramic river views, a campground with full-hookup RV sites and primitive tent camping areas, fishing access and a boat ramp providing access to the Mississippi River, and comprehensive interpretive exhibits explaining Grand Gulf’s critical role in the Vicksburg Campaign that changed the course of the Civil War.
Grand Gulf is a critical but often overlooked piece of Civil War history — on April 29, 1863, Confederate forces at Fort Cobun and Fort Wade successfully repelled Admiral David Porter’s fleet of seven gunboats and three transports, forcing General Ulysses S. Grant to land his army downstream at Bruinsburg instead. This forced detour ultimately led to the Battle of Port Gibson and the successful Vicksburg Campaign that split the Confederacy along the Mississippi.
The restored earthworks are remarkably well-preserved — visitors can walk the same fortification lines that Confederate gunners defended under five hours of continuous naval bombardment. The museum’s collection of artifacts recovered from the battlefield brings the engagement vividly to life.
What to See
- Fort Cobun & Fort Wade — restored earthworks
- Civil War museum — artifacts, weapons, uniforms
- Mississippi River bluffs — nature trail, panoramic views
- Historic cemetery — Confederate
- Camping — full-hookup RV + tent
- Fishing — Mississippi River, boat ramp
Park Information
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Near Port Gibson, Claiborne Co, SW MS |
| Battle | April 29, 1863 — Vicksburg Campaign |
| Fortifications | Fort Cobun + Fort Wade (restored) |
| Museum | Civil War artifacts, weapons, uniforms |
| Camping | Full-hookup RV + primitive tent |
| Managed By | MS DWFP |
| Coordinates | 32.0333° N, 91.2167° W |
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened at Grand Gulf during the Civil War?
On April 29, 1863, Confederate forces at Fort Cobun and Fort Wade at Grand Gulf, Mississippi successfully repelled Admiral David Porter’s Union gunboat fleet of seven warships during five hours of continuous bombardment. This forced General Grant to land his army downstream at Bruinsburg, ultimately leading to the Battle of Port Gibson and the successful Vicksburg Campaign. Grand Gulf Military Park near Port Gibson preserves restored earthworks, a Civil War museum with authentic artifacts, a historic cemetery, nature trails along the Mississippi River bluffs, and a campground with full-hookup RV and tent sites. Managed by Mississippi DWFP.
Last updated: May 2026
Keep exploring: The closest neighbors are Natchez State Park (within about an hour’s drive) and Lake Lincoln State Park (elsewhere in the state).
Park Location
Plan your gear for Grand Gulf Military Park
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