Mississippi’s two U.S. senators have crafted legislation that would expand the Vicksburg National Military Park’s land holdings north and south.

The bill by Sens. Thad Cochran and Roger Wicker aims to preserve land in Hinds and Claiborne counties with Civil War significance, a Thursday press release said.

“The Vicksburg Campaign is significant because it proved pivotal to the outcome of the Civil War,” a statement from Cochran said. “It represents an important moment in Mississippi history. This legislation would allow new protections for sites in Mississippi, and I hope it can be enacted soon with broad support.”

The land being looked at is in Port Gibson in Claiborne County, and property at Raymond and Champion Hill, both in Hinds County.

If the bill passes, it would authorize the VNMP to acquire up to nearly 11,000 acres through voluntary sale, donation or exchange. The park currently covers about 1,800 acres, and officials are looking to acquire about 1,700 more, said VNMP superintendent Mike Madell.

“When people think of the Vicksburg Campaign, they tend to think only of the 47-day siege of the city,” he said. “There were a lot of battles that had to be fought to get to the siege.”

The campaign was a series of maneuvers and battles aimed at taking control of the Mississippi River. The Union Army of the Tennessee under Maj. Gen. Ulysses S. Grant eventually defeated Confederate Lt. Gen. John C. Pemberton’s forces, who were stationed around the city.

The senators’ proposal comes as historical sites across the nation are preparing for next year’s 150th anniversary of the Civil War. The VNMP is also planning programs for the 150th anniversary of the Vicksburg Campaign in 2013, as well as a program for the anniversary of Mississippi’s secession from the Union in 2011, Madell said.

“We are deeply appreciative of the support from the senators,” said Harry McMillin of the Friends of the VNMP. “There are lands where battle occurred that are not protected, and now with this bill they can be.”

The measure has been referred to the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee.

The VNMP commemorates the campaign, siege and defense of Vicksburg in 1863. More than 1,340 monuments, a restored Union gunboat, and a National Cemetery are within the confines of the park.

bmackin@vicksburgpost.com

Mississippi’s two U.S. senators have crafted legislation that would expand the Vicksburg National Military Park’s land holdings north and south.

The bill by Sens. Thad Cochran and Roger Wicker aims to preserve land in Hinds and Claiborne counties with Civil War significance, a Thursday press release said.

“The Vicksburg Campaign is significant because it proved pivotal to the outcome of the Civil War,” a statement from Cochran said. “It represents an important moment in Mississippi history. This legislation would allow new protections for sites in Mississippi, and I hope it can be enacted soon with broad support.”

The land being looked at is in Port Gibson in Claiborne County, and property at Raymond and Champion Hill, both in Hinds County.

If the bill passes, it would authorize the VNMP to acquire up to nearly 11,000 acres through voluntary sale, donation or exchange. The park currently covers about 1,800 acres, and officials are looking to acquire about 1,700 more, said VNMP superintendent Mike Madell.

“When people think of the Vicksburg Campaign, they tend to think only of the 47-day siege of the city,” he said. “There were a lot of battles that had to be fought to get to the siege.”

The campaign was a series of maneuvers and battles aimed at taking control of the Mississippi River. The Union Army of the Tennessee under Maj. Gen. Ulysses S. Grant eventually defeated Confederate Lt. Gen. John C. Pemberton’s forces, who were stationed around the city.

The senators’ proposal comes as historical sites across the nation are preparing for next year’s 150th anniversary of the Civil War. The VNMP is also planning programs for the 150th anniversary of the Vicksburg Campaign in 2013, as well as a program for the anniversary of Mississippi’s secession from the Union in 2011, Madell said.

“We are deeply appreciative of the support from the senators,” said Harry McMillin of the Friends of the VNMP. “There are lands where battle occurred that are not protected, and now with this bill they can be.”

The measure has been referred to the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee.

The VNMP commemorates the campaign, siege and defense of Vicksburg in 1863. More than 1,340 monuments, a restored Union gunboat, and a National Cemetery are within the confines of the park.