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Favorite bridges; the Vicksburg Bridge

Mary Baker's photo
Shreveport Motorcycle Travel Examiner
Vicksburg and Old Vicksburg Bridges across the Mighty Mississippi River
Vicksburg and Old Vicksburg Bridges across the Mighty Mississippi River
Mary Baker
 

My friends know that I love to ride, and I especially love to ride across bridges; any bridge will bring a smile to my face as I cross it, no matter how large or small. Simply my favorite bridge is the Vicksburg bridge that transports travelers on Interstate 20 from Delta, Louisiana, across the mighty Mississippi, to the quaint town of Vicksburg. I can't explain why this is my favorite. It's not the largest I've traversed, or the prettiest. It's not the grandest I've crossed, nor even a favorite of most. But, perhaps for me it's simply the symbolism of crossing into new, often unknown territory. It symbolizes leaving one state for an adventure in another. Each time I cross the cantilever bridge,  made of horizontal steel beams, as I view the twin bridges, the one I'm crossing and the Old Vicksburg bridge running parallel and carrying one rail of railroad traffic, I am overcome by a feeling of freedom, maybe because of the American flag waving grandly high atop the cables.

If your destination is Vicksburg, take this old bridge to a wonderful town full of unique places to visit. I always enjoy the Vicksburg National Military Park, commemorating the campaign, siege, and defense of Vicksburg. With over 1340 monuments, a restored Union gunboat and national cemetery, this 16 mile road tour is a “must see” attraction.  “Historic Downtown Vicksburg offers a variety of restaurants specialty shops and art galleries. You’ll also find The Corner Drug Store with an engaging collection of Civil War artifacts; the Biedenharn Coca-Cola® Museum where Coca-Cola® was first bottled in 1894; and the Antique Doll and Toy Museum. On the floodwall along Levee Street over thirty-two murals by artist Robert Dafford depict the history of Vicksburg and just across the street is the whimsical Children’s Art Park at Catfish Row and splash fountain. If it’s gaming you want, dockside casinos abound, offering games, food and entertainment 24-hours a day, year round.”  Visit the Vicksburg Convention and Tourism Bureau for more information, and check out the slide show at the bottom of this article for more photos.

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Slideshow: The Vicksburg and Old Vicksburg Bridges

8 photos
John Beldin, photo by Mary Baker

Slideshow: The Vicksburg and Old Vicksburg Bridges

, Shreveport Motorcycle Travel Examiner

Mary's passion is riding her Harley-Davidson every day. She has logged over 100,000 miles on the road, and knows some great rides, wonderful places to eat, and sites to see. Email Mary at maric12@gmail.com.

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