Vicksburg is fortunate to have an economy that stands on many legs — farming, light to medium manufacturing, retailing, shipping, research and development and tourism — among others.

Within each category, there are subcategories. When it comes to tourism, there are at least three. One, the newest, is centered on casinos, their hotels and other amenities. Another, which is growing, is nature-centered. It centers on hunting, fishing and eco-tourism. The third, and oldest, is historic tourism. It centers on earlier times here, especially events of the Civil War era.

The first edition of “Tapestry: A Living History of Vicksburg” was completed last week, and conclusions were that it created a solid foundation to reinvigorate this sector in months and years to come.

In sum, what Tapestry does is add living history dimensions — and fun — to tours of historic homes and sites.

It is a far more ambitious and far more demanding approach to increasing historic tourism. It requires more intensive planning and coordination, distinctive marketing and — above all — delivering a quality experience to those who participate.

It was gratifying to learn from Carolyn Stephenson, Annabelle Bed and Breakfast owner and Vicksburg Bed and Breakfast Association president, that Tapestry I “exceeded expectations.” It was gratifying to learn from Bill Seratt, Vicksburg Convention and Visitors Bureau executive director, how pleased he was that so many people worked so well in concert and for the common good.

What should be stressed — again and again if need be — is that it’s not just the owners of tour homes, hotels or museums who have a stake in energizing historic tourism in Vicksburg. We all do. We all are investors through the sales tax that supports the VCVB. And we all are beneficiaries from each dollar a visitor adds to the local economy.

Harry Sharp, a Tapestry enthusiast and owner of The Duff Green Mansion, recalled having 50 to 60 tourists daily when the former Vicksburg Pilgrimage lost steam. Tapestry should rebuild to that level or even more.

There’s as much or more to see and do in Vicksburg than ever. People are as interested as ever. The economy is tight. Competition for tourism is intense. Tapestry has a great future, and deserves continuing, enthusiastic support.