Keep developing.

If the City of Vicksburg leaders follow those two simple words in 2011, the area surrounding the floodwall and Art Park at Catfish Row could become a major tourist draw.

Already the MV Mississippi Interpretive Center and Museum is moving forward. The transportation museum across from the old Levee Street Depot also is progressing. The floodwall murals are always a popular attraction. The Art Park at Catfish Row has never looked better.

On Monday, Vicksburg resident Malcolm Carson laid out his plans to transform a downtown property on Washington into an African-American history museum, which would offer another reason to visit and spend more time downtown.

Downtown revitalization is taking hold nationwide as the allure of the mega-mall in suburbia is losing its luster. In Mississippi, cities statewide are turning downtown in destinations.

Vicksburg should be no different. This city has the river, the military park and plenty of American history. Next weekend, sesquicentennial celebrations will begin in Vicksburg to commemorate the start of the Civil War 150 years ago. Celebrations will continue for years and Vicksburg will be at the heart of it.

Vicksburg officials should keep their collective foot on the development gas pedal downtown. There is much more to be done to develop downtown, but the foundation is in place and the ideas to better the city are flowing.

The year 2011 could be a banner one for Vicksburg.

If we keep developing.