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Posted in Mississippi History September 20, 2018 by Daniella DiRienzo

Step Back In Time With A Visit To This Nearly Unchanged Civil War Battlesite In Mississippi

Some of the Civil War’s most significant battles took place right here in Mississippi. And while many things have changed since then, there’s one battle site that’s remained virtually unchanged since the 1860s. Located in Port Gibson, the historic battlefield is open to the public and offers a unique chance to step back in time. Take a look:

The Battle of Port Gibson was a pivotal one, and it all began at the A.K. Shaifer House. The historic home and the grounds it stands on now make up the Port Gibson Battlefield.

Aside from its historic significance, the battlefield has another distinguishing factor – it’s hardly changed since May of 1863.

Today, you can explore the battle site, including the Shaifer House.

The first shot of the Battle of Port Gibson was fired at the home on May 1, 1863. After that, it served as a Union headquarters and hospital.

Though the home survived the war, it didn’t make it out unscathed. Numerous bullet holes can still be seen on its walls.

But the home isn’t the only thing that hasn’t changed. The terrain leading to the Shaifer House includes ravines and steep ridges – just as it had all those years ago.

As you meander along the "sunken" road leading to the battlefield, you can almost picture the Union troops scaling the ravines as they advanced.

Relics from the battle are still occasionally found along the deep road beds, so consider exploring the area by foot.

Travelling back in time is as easy as visiting this remote battlefield. Ready to check it out for yourself?

For more information on the A.K. Shaifer House, including directions, click here.

Ever been to this historic spot? Know of another great site on or near the Natchez Trace? Tell us in the comments section.

Read about another must-visit site located just off the Trace here.

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.

Daniella DiRienzo

Though Daniella was born in New York and has lived in a couple of other states, Mississippi has been her home for the past 25 years. After graduating from the University of Southern Mississippi, Daniella began to hone her writing skills through various internships, working for The Royal Obsession and Anatomie clothing. In the years since, she’s had the privilege of having her articles appear in several publications, such as Parents & Kids Magazine and Girl Meets Strong. She’s also had the honor of interviewing actress Sela Ward for The Mississippi Arts and Entertainment Experience.