Vicksburg National Military Park Quarter design
The approved design for the fourth 2011 National Park quarter, featuring Vicksburg National Military Park in Mississippi, was announced on December 1, 2010 by the United States Mint.
The reverse of the Vicksburg quarter, 9th issue in the series, depicts the Union ironclad gunboat U.S.S. Cairo on the Mississippi River – showcasing the significance of the river and the U.S. Navy during the Civil War. The capture of Vicksburg on July 4, 1863 (and Port Hudson, LA a week later) yielded control of the Mississippi River to the Union, and effectively split Confederate forces. This pivotal but devastating 47-day siege is commemorated at the Vicksburg National Military Park. Though the Cairo became the first U.S. marine vessel to be sunk by an electronically detonated underwater mine, the ironclad was later raised and restored to become one of the most popular historical attractions at the Vicksburg park.
Inscriptions on the coin’s reverse include the site – VICKSBURG NATIONAL MILITARY PARK, its location – MISSISSIPPI, year of issue– 2011, and motto E PLURIBUS UNUM. The obverse or “heads” side features a smaller restored version of the George Washington portrait introduced on quarters in 1932.
