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

A Crew of Immigrants

Photographed By Mark Hilton, October 25, 2017

1. A Crew of Immigrants Marker

Inscription. Had you stepped aboard the USS Cairo during the Civil War, the conversations may have surprised you. So many languages! Stroll the decks and you might have heard French, Danish, Russian, German, and accents from Ireland, England, and the Caribbean. Nearly half of the boat's sailors were immigrants.

This group of men came from many walks of life. They were black and white. They were farmers, teachers and butchers. Most had no sailing experience. They learned their duties on the job. U.S.-born or not, these Union sailors were fighting for the survival of the country they called home.

[Photo caption]
When Cairo went down, her crew of 158 sailors and 17 officers had no time to save their personal possessions. Thousands of items sank with the boat—and were recovered during salvage operations.

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° 22.545′ N, 90° 52.002′ W. Marker is in Vicksburg National Military Park, Mississippi, in Warren County. Marker can be reached from Union Avenue. Located on the

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raised USS Cairo across from the museum. 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. A Ton an Hour - USS Cairo (here, next to this marker); Pilothouse - USS Cairo (here, next to this marker); Capstan - USS Cairo (here, next to this marker); Chimneys - USS Cairo (here, next to this marker); The Sinking of Cairo (a few steps from this marker); Torpedoed & Sunk (a few steps from this marker); Hog Chains - USS Cairo (a few steps from this marker); Full Steam Ahead! (a few steps from this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Vicksburg National Military Park.

View of marker near the former pilot house. image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Mark Hilton, October 25, 2017

2. View of marker near the former pilot house.

Entrance inside the <i>Cairo</i> museum. image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Mark Hilton, October 25, 2017

3. Entrance inside the Cairo museum.

Credits. This page was last revised on November 1, 2017. It was originally submitted on November 1, 2017, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama. This page has been viewed 307 times since then and 32 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on November 1, 2017, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama.