Vicksburg, Mississippi: Small town charm, big history
In addition to its unmistakable small town charm, Vicksburg, Mississippi is home to some unique and exciting history.
Expect historic homes, brick-paved streets, and views of the mighty Mississippi River.
One of the sweetest bits of Vicksburg history is as the home of the first ever Coca-Cola bottling plant in 1894.
The 130th anniversary of this momentous event and so much more will be happening in spring this year, making Vicksburg a dream destination for history buffs in 2024.
America’s favorite beverage
Coca-Cola was first bottled in downtown Vicksburg, Mississippi on March 12, 1894. The Biedenharn Coca-Cola Museum was constructed in 1890 and initially used by the Biedenharn family as a wholesale candy company and a shoe store. Joseph Biedenharm was approached by Asa Griggs Candler, the founder of The Coca-Cola Company, and recommended Biedenharn’s Candy Company supply the area with the iconic syrup used the carbonated drink. From there, Joseph Biedenharn bottled the first Coca-Cola in 1894, which made the product more accessible around the country.
On March 11, 2024, Vicksburg will celebrate the 130th anniversary with a full week of celebrations. Festivities kick off with a Historic Marker Proclamation at the Coca-Cola Museum at 4:00 pm. The classic partnership of Coca-Cola and bourbon will be featured at a tasting event on March 14 at John Houston’s Fine Wine and Spirits. Visitors can take part in the Classic Sip Fest March 15-16 which will feature a sock hop, drive in movie, and stroll over the Mississippi River. More information on the Visit Hattiesburg website.
Sip and see history on a museum crawl
Vicksburg has six different museums within a one-mile radius focused on its rich history, the Civil War and the Mississippi. Through a self-guided walking tour, visitors will discover the Biedenharn Coca-Cola Museum, site of the first Coca-Cola bottling, the Jesse Brent Lower Mississippi River Museum which explores the river’s importance, and Catfish Row Museum: a cultural heritage experience. For more about Vicksburgߣs role in the Civil War, the Vicksburg Civil War Museum and Old Courthouse Museum feature a diverse collection of artifacts from the era. The Old Depot Museum is home to an expansive diorama of the Siege of Vicksburg, and the USS Cairo – a Union gunboat that sank in 1862 – is now displayed at Vicksburg National Military Park.
https://www.visitvicksburg.com/
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