Vicksburg National Military Park in Warren County, Mississippi — The American South (East South Central)

The Skylights

Photographed By Mark Hilton, October 25, 2017

1. The Skylights Marker

Inscription. Click to hear the inscription.

The skylights provided light for the gun deck and the engine room and for inspection of the paddle wheel. The frame of the skylights has been ghosted with the light-colored glu- laminated wood.

During the southern summer, Cairo below decks was oppressively hot. The heat from the boilers worsened the stifling conditions. The skylights and funnels vented some of the heat; fresh air came in through the gun ports.

Erected by National Park Service, Department of the Interior.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: War, US Civil • Waterways & Vessels.

Location. 32° 22.548′ N, 90° 51.99′ W. Marker is in Vicksburg National Military Park, Mississippi, in Warren County. Marker can be reached from the intersection of Confederate Avenue and Union Avenue. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Vicksburg MS 39183, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. U.S.S. Cairo Engine and Boilers (here, next to this marker); Full Steam Ahead! (a few steps from this marker); Wheelhouse - USS Cairo

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(a few steps from this marker); The USS Cairo (a few steps from this marker); Chimneys - USS Cairo (a few steps from this marker); A Crew of Immigrants (a few steps from this marker); Pilothouse - USS Cairo (a few steps from this marker); A Ton an Hour - USS Cairo (a few steps from this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Vicksburg National Military Park.

The Skylights Marker in front of the raised USS <i>Cairo</i>. image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Mark Hilton, October 25, 2017

2. The Skylights Marker in front of the raised USS Cairo.

The USS <i>Cairo</i> image. Click for full size.

Public Domain

3. The USS Cairo

Photographed in the Mississippi River area during 1862, with a boat alongside her port bow, crewmen on deck and other river steamers in the background.

Credits. This page was last revised on November 15, 2017. It was originally submitted on November 14, 2017, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama. This page has been viewed 209 times since then and 57 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on November 14, 2017, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama.