Resolution Marks Vicksburg's 200th Anniversary, Designates 2025 as Bicentennial Year

This resolution officially recognizes the upcoming 200th anniversary of the incorporation of Vicksburg, Mississippi, which happens on January 29, 2025. It formally designates the entire year of 2025 as the "Vicksburg Bicentennial" and encourages people across the country to acknowledge the city's history and its planned year-long celebration. Essentially, it's Congress giving a formal nod to a significant milestone for the city.

Two Centuries Packed with History

The resolution isn't just a simple acknowledgment; it specifically highlights key moments that shaped Vicksburg and its role in American history. It touches on its origins predating European settlement, the establishment of the French Fort St. Pierre in 1719, and its growth after incorporation in 1825. Crucially, it references Vicksburg's strategic importance during the Civil War, particularly the grueling 47-day Siege. It also notes the establishment of the Vicksburg National Cemetery in 1866 (now the nation's second largest) and the Vicksburg National Military Park in 1899, which commemorates the campaign.

Beyond the battlefield, the resolution points to Vicksburg's contributions to commerce and culture. Think milestones like the first bottling of Coca-Cola occurring there in 1894, the establishment of the city's first Black-owned bank back in 1865, and the community's resilience during the devastating Great Flood of 1927 when floodwaters reached 56.2 feet. It even looks forward, mentioning the 2024 establishment of the Thad Cochran Mississippi Center for Innovation and Technology and acknowledging the roughly 2,000,000 visitors the area draws each year.

What This Resolution Actually Does

So, what's the practical effect? This is primarily a symbolic act. It doesn't create new laws, allocate funding, or change regulations. Its main purpose is to provide official congressional recognition of Vicksburg's bicentennial and its historical significance. By encouraging nationwide acknowledgment, it could potentially give a boost to civic pride within Vicksburg and might encourage tourism related to the bicentennial events. The resolution concludes with a formal request for the Secretary of the Senate to transmit an official copy to the city of Vicksburg, serving as a tangible sign of the Senate's respect.