Vicksburg in Warren County, Mississippi — The American South (East South Central)
"Two Bridges at Sunset"
Photographed By Mark Hilton, May 25, 2017
1. "Two Bridges at Sunset" Marker
Inscription.
"Two Bridges at Sunset". . Probably one of the most picturesque views of Vicksburg is that of the two bridges over the Mississippi River. The first bridge was constructed in 1930 for $6,500,000 to transport vehicles and trains. It was, at that time, the only bridge across the river between Memphis and New Orleans. The steel cantilever bridge is 7500 feet between the approaches with a total length of 2.89 miles. The "new" Mississippi River bridge that carries Interstate 20, opened on February 15, 1973. The boats pictured with the bridges are the "Motor Vessel Mississippi" owned by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the Coast Guard Cutter "Kickapoo," and "Big Valley," owned by Ergon. The "Mississippi" has been an inspection and work boat for the Mississippi River Commission since 1993. It is 241' long and 52' from the waterline to the pilot house. The "Kickapoo" was built in 1969 and came to Vicksburg in 1976. It is named after an Indian tribe and is 75' long, pushes a 130' barge, and is responsible for 120 miles of river. The "Big Valley" is an Ergon grocery boat. Towboats call in advance with fuel and grocery orders and this boat will pull up along side with its delivery so that the towboat does not have to take the time to come into port for supplies.,
Sponsored by Ray and Nancy Neilsen.
Probably one of the most picturesque views of Vicksburg is that of the two bridges over the Mississippi River. The first bridge was constructed in 1930 for $6,500,000 to transport vehicles and trains.
It was, at that time, the only bridge across the river between Memphis and New Orleans. The steel cantilever bridge is 7500 feet between the approaches with a total length of 2.89 miles.
The "new" Mississippi River bridge that carries Interstate 20, opened on February 15, 1973. The boats pictured with the bridges are the "Motor Vessel Mississippi" owned by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the Coast Guard Cutter "Kickapoo," and "Big Valley," owned by Ergon. The "Mississippi" has been an inspection and work boat for the Mississippi River Commission since 1993. It is 241' long and 52' from the waterline to the pilot house. The "Kickapoo" was built in 1969 and came to Vicksburg in 1976. It is named after an Indian tribe and is 75' long, pushes a 130' barge, and is responsible for 120 miles of river. The "Big Valley" is an Ergon grocery boat. Towboats call in advance with fuel and grocery orders and this boat will pull up along side with its delivery so that the towboat does not have to take the time to come into port for supplies.
Sponsored by Ray & Nancy Neilsen
Erected
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2006 by the City of Vicksburg Riverfront Mural Committee.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Bridges & Viaducts • Waterways & Vessels. A significant historical date for this entry is February 15, 1973.
Location. 32° 21.128′ N, 90° 53.003′ W. Marker is in Vicksburg, Mississippi, in Warren County. Marker is on Levee Street south of Grove Street, on the left when traveling north. The Vicksburg Riverfront Murals are located on the Yazoo Diversion Canal levee wall. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: Levee Street, Vicksburg MS 39183, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Credits. This page was last revised on January 24, 2022. It was originally submitted on June 4, 2017, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama. This page has been viewed 407 times since then and 30 times this year. Last updated on January 22, 2022, by Carl Gordon Moore Jr. of North East, Maryland. Photos:1, 2, 3. submitted on June 4, 2017, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama.
