Superintendents Compendium

CODE OF FEDERAL REGULATIONS TITLE 36, CHAPTER I

VICKSBURG NATIONAL MILITARY PARK COMPENDIUM OF DESIGNATIONS, CLOSURES, REQUEST REQUIREMENTS AND OTHER RESTRICTIONS IMPOSED UNDER THE DISCRETIONARY AUTHORITY OF THE SUPERINTENDENT

In accordance with regulations and the delegated authority provided in Title 36, Code of Federal Regulations ("36 CFR"), Chapter 1, Parts 1-7, authorized by Title 16 United States Code, Section 3, the following regulatory provisions are established for the proper management, protection, government and public use of those portions of Vicksburg National Military Park and Vicksburg National Cemetery under the jurisdiction of the National Park Service.

Unless otherwise stated, these regulatory provisions apply in addition to the requirements contained in 36 CFR, Chapter 1 and section 7.43. 36 CFR can be found at http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_05/36cfrv1_05.html.

Written determinations, which explain the reasoning behind the Superintendent’s use of discretionary authority, are required by Section 1.5(c) and appear in this document in italicized print.

APPROVED:

Superintendent, Carrie Mardorf 01/28/2025
 

I. 36 CFR §1.5 - Visiting Hours, Public Use Limits, Closures, And Area Designations For Specific Use Or Activities


The following visiting hours and public use limits are established for all or for the listed portions of the park, and the following closures are established for all or a portion of the park to all public use or to a certain use or activity:
 

Visiting Hours

 
Determination: Visiting hours are established based on the availability of staff, to ensure an enjoyable and safe visitor experience, and to assure adequate protection of park resources. After hours use, nighttime activity and overnight parking create a number of impacts that would be inconsistent with the protection of park resources.
 

Closures

The park will be closed on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Year's Day.

Determination: This closure allows all park employees the opportunity to enjoy these holidays with their families and friends.

The Superintendent may close any portion of the park and/or roadways to public access during prescribed fires, periods of ice, snow, or any other potentially hazardous conditions or emergencies. Roadways may be closed with gates, barricades, or other traffic control devices. Driving around or past these devices are prohibited.
 

Locations Closed to Public Access

 

Public Use Limits

 

The following restrictions and/or conditions are in effect for the specific uses or activities noted:

 

II. 36 CFR §1.6 -Activities That Require A Permit


The following is a compilation of those activities for which a permit from the Superintendent is required: Information and applications to request a permit can be obtained at Vicksburg National Military Park during regular business hours, 8:00 am-5:00 pm. Monday to Friday. Contact us at 601-636-0583 or via the internet at www.nps.gov/vick/permits or mail addressed to Superintendent, Vicksburg National Military Park, 3201 Clay Street Vicksburg, MS 39183.

  • Carry or possess weapon, trap or net. Firearms may be carried or possessed in accordance with applicable local, state, and federal laws. Other weapons as defined under 36 CFR 1.4 will require a permit

  • Specimen Collection (the taking of any plant, fish, wildlife, rocks, or minerals)

  • Camping and Food Storage

  • Audio Disturbances: Operation of a public address system in connection with a public gathering or special event for which a permit has been issued pursuant to §2.50 or §2.51.

  • Aircraft & Air Delivery: Delivery or retrieval of a person or object by parachute, helicopter or other airborne means.

  • Removal of a downed aircraft.

  • Noncommercial soliciting

  • Explosives: Use, possess, store, transport explosives, blasting agents

  • Use or possess fireworks

  • Conduct a sports event, pageant, regatta, public spectator attraction, entertainment, ceremony, and similar events

  • Public assemblies, meetings, gatherings, demonstrations, parades and other public expressions of views

    • Demonstrations involving 25 persons or fewer may be held without a permit within designated park area.

    • Demonstrations involving more than 25 persons require a permit.

    • Per 36 CFR §12.4, no demonstrations may be held in Vicksburg National Cemetery.

  • Sale or distribution of printer matter that is not solely commercial advertising.

  • Livestock Use.

  • Erection of New Monuments (requires approval from Director of NPS)

  • Scattering of ashes from human cremation

  • Exceeding of established vehicle load, weight, and size limits.

  • Advertisements (Display, posting, or distribution).

  • Construction of buildings, facilities, roads, paths, structures, etc.
  • 36 CFR Part 25.2(a) Conduct a Battlefield Tour for a Fee
    • Only individuals licensed by the National Park Service as Licensed Battlefield Guides are authorized to provide historical interpretive tours of the battlefield for a fee


Filming / Still Photography
• All commercial filming and some still photography activities require a permit. In addition, such activities are subject to the provisions of 43 CFR part 5, subpart A. Failure to comply with any provision of 43 CFR part 5 is a violation of this section. Contact Chief Ranger’s Office for permit
• A permit is required in the following situations:

  • Commercial filming of motion pictures or television involving the use of professional casts, settings or crews, other than bona fide newsreel or news television.
  • Most still photography will not require a permit. Still photography activities require a permit only if:
    • The still photography activity uses models, set or props.
    • The still photography activity takes place in an area where or when members of the public are not allowed.
    • The agency would incur costs for providing on-site management and oversight to protect agency resources and minimize visitor use conflicts

Commercial Vehicle

Use of commercial vehicles on park area roads (The Superintendent shall issue a permit to access private lands within or adjacent to the park when access is otherwise not available).


Vicksburg National Cemetery

Per 36 CFR § 12.4, no demonstrations may be held in Vicksburg National Cemetery. Permits are required for disinterment of remains, for burials, and special events. Vicksburg National Cemetery is closed to new burials, except in the rare case of existing burial rights.

Licensed Guide Service Regulation

Per 36 CFR, Chapter 1, Part 25, the Superintendent of Vicksburg National Military Park is authorized to administer a Licensed Battlefield Guide program. All persons offering services or acting as a guide representing Vicksburg National Military Park will be licensed by the Superintendent. Requests for application to become a guide will be made in writing to the Superintendent.

 

III. GENERAL REGULATIONS

 

36 CFR §2.4 - Weapons, Traps, Or Nets


Visitors may possess and carry firearms within Vicksburg National Military Park and Vicksburg National Cemetery in accordance with federal, state, and local laws. Federal law prohibits firearms in certain park facilities and buildings. These places are marked with signs at public entrances. The federal facilities for Vicksburg National Military Park and Vicksburg National Cemetery are as follows:
  • Visitor Center
  • USS Cairo Museum
  • Pemberton’s Headquarters
  • Park Maintenance Facility
  • Old Superintendent’s Quarters
  • Curatorial Storage
  • Restoration Shop
  • Cemetery Maintenance Facility

Conditions for Weapons


The possession and use historic weapons necessary to support interpretive and educational demonstrations are permitted, subject to limitations described in a permit issued by the Superintendent. Use of the historic weapons will be in a manner consistent with all National Park Service policies related to historic black powder firing demonstrations.
 

36 CFR §2.10 - Camping and Food Storage


The park is closed to camping except under conditions as identified in “closures” above.

36 CFR §2.11 – Picnicking


The park is closed to picnicking except in designated picnic areas at the USS Cairo Museum and visitor center. See “closures” above.

36 CFR §2.13 - Fires


Lighting or maintaining a fire within Vicksburg National Military Park is prohibited except:
  • Small campfires contained within well-defined fire circles as part of an overnight living history encampment (with permit from the Superintendent).
  • Barbeque fires contained within an appropriate grilling device in a park housing area.
  • Prescribed fires for management of resources as authorized by an approved burn plan.
Determination: Limitations on the use of fire are necessary to prevent adverse impacts to resources, as well as to prevent fire from escaping to adjoining lands and residential areas
 

36 CFR §2.15 - Pets

Pets are allowed within the park, including on park trails, as long as they are physically restrained by a leash of 6 feet in length or less. Electronic shock collars do not meet the requirements for physical restraint of a pet as required by 36 CFR § 2.15. The following additional restrictions apply:

  • All animal waste must be removed no matter the location (road, paths, trail, open field, or around buildings). Visitors bringing pets to the park must carry on their person a bag or other device for the containerization and removal of excrement.

Visitors shall immediately containerize and remove pet excrement by depositing it in a trash receptacle or by otherwise taking the excrement from the park.

  • Pets are NOT allowed in park residences occupied by seasonal and term employees or interns of the park. The only exception to this is the use of a Service Animal. The Superintendent has the discretion to lodge an employee in their own, separate housing if they do require a Service Animal that may be disruptive to others living in the same park residence.

Determination: Limitations on pets within the park are necessary to ensure a positive visitor experience for all, as well as to prevent possible resource damage that could be created by uncontrolled pets

 

Service Animals

 

36 CFR §2.21 – Smoking


Smoking is prohibited in and around all buildings within Vicksburg National Military Park and Vicksburg National Cemetery. This includes interior sections of monuments and memorials, as well as the USS Cairo. Smoking is prohibited within 25 feet of any entrance or exit primarily accessed by the visiting public or any access where smoking would result in smoke traveling through doorways, windows, air ducts or other openings. Departmental Manual 2, Section 3 310, Chapter 11, Director’s Order #50D: 4 Smoking Policy.

36 CFR §2.35 -Alcoholic Beverages and Controlled Substances


The following public use areas, portions of public use areas, and/or public facilities within the park are closed to consumption of alcoholic beverages, and/or to the possession of a bottle, can or other receptacle containing an alcoholic beverage that is open, or has been opened, or whose seal has been broken or the contents of which have been partially removed:All areas of Vicksburg National Military Park and Vicksburg National Cemetery except:

  • Park residences

  • Park Sponsored events

  • Other areas when included as a provision of a special use permit issued by the Superintendent

Determination: Because of the prevalence of bluffs, cliffs, steep slopes, and other natural hazards in the park, consumption of alcohol can create a concern for visitor safety. In addition, consumption of alcohol is inappropriate. As such, consumption could interfere with visitors' appreciation of the historic scene and resources.

36 CFR §2.38 – Explosives


Using, possessing, storing, or transporting explosives, blasting agents or explosive materials are prohibited. Using or possessing fireworks is prohibited.

Conditions for Explosives

The possession and use of small quantities of black powder necessary to support park permitted historic weapons demonstrations is permitted, subject to limitations described in a permit issued by the Superintendent. Use of the black powder will be in a manner consistent with all National Park Service policies related to historic black powder firing demonstrations.

Determination: Fireworks can intrude upon the park's contemplative visitor experience, create a safety concern, and possibly start unwanted wildfires. Black powder and other explosives are similarly dangerous, unless used under carefully controlled and supervised settings such as a historic weapons demonstration.

36 CFR § 2.51 - Demonstrations


Demonstrations are allowed within park areas designated for demonstrations when the Superintendent has issued a permit for the activity. Demonstrations involving 25 persons or fewer may be held without a permit within the designated park areas noted below. Demonstrations involving more than 25 persons always require a permit, from the Chief Ranger’s office. Per federal law, no demonstrations may be held in Vicksburg National Cemetery.

The following areas are designated for demonstration purposes:

  • The area immediately adjacent to the visitor center and north of the park tour road. Demonstrators must stay off the earthworks.

  • The lawn area south of the tour road, west of the entrance drive, and north of a line approximately 25 feet north of, and parallel to Clay Street.

  • The lawn area in the triangle formed between the tour road, the USS Cairo Museum parking lot, and the walkway from the parking lot to the USS Cairo Museum.

36 CFR §2.62- Memorialization


A permit is required for the scattering of ashes from cremated human remains. New monuments may be erected within Vicksburg National Military Park with authorization of the Director of the National Park Service.

36 CFR §3.21 - Swimming and Bathing


The entire park is closed to swimming and bathing.

Determination: It is unsafe to swim or bathe in waters within the park due to water level issues and hazardous downed trees and limbs.

36 CFR §4.11 - Vehicle Load, Weight And Size Limits


The following load, weight and size limits, which are more restrictive than State law, apply to the roads indicated under the terms and conditions, and/or under permit as noted:

  • No vehicle in excess of 14 feet in height, 50 feet in length, or 60,000 pounds gross vehicle weight is allowed on any park roads.

  • No vehicle in excess of 25 feet in length is allowed in the National Cemetery.

  • No vehicle in excess of 25 feet in length is allowed on Sherman Avenue.


Determination: The stated limits are necessary because of low clearances, sharp curves, and bridge capacity along the park tour road.

36 CFR §4.21 - Speed Limits


The following speed limits are established for the routes/roads indicated:

  • Tour Road - 25 mph.

  • Parking lots and Service Roads - 15 mph.

  • National Cemetery Road - 15 mph.

  • All speed limits apply to bicycles.


Determination: Speed limits are necessary to ensure a safe and enjoyable visitor experience

36 CFR §4.30 - Bicycles


The use of a bicycle is prohibited except on park roads and parking lots. Bicyclists using the tour road must ride in the direction of traffic flow. No bicycle shall be operated off established roadways. Bicycles are not permitted on sidewalks, monuments, or the Thayer's Approach Tunnel. Bicycles must be walked on sidewalks and must not be left unattended on a sidewalk.

Electronic Bicycles

  • The term “e-bike” means a two- or three-wheeled cycle with fully operable pedals and an electric motor of less than 750 watts (1 h.p.).

  • E-bikes are allowed in Vicksburg National Military Park where traditional bicycles are allowed. E-bikes are prohibited where traditional bicycles are prohibited. Except where use of motor vehicles by the public is allowed, using the electric motor to move an e-bike without pedaling is prohibited.

  • A person operating an e-bike is subject to the following sections of 36 CFR part 4 that apply to the use of traditional bicycles: sections 4.12, 4.13, 4.20, 4.21, 4.22, 4.23, and 4.30(h)(2)-(5).

  • Except as specified in this Compendium, the use of an e-bike within Vicksburg National Military Park is governed by State law, which is adopted and made a part of this Compendium. Any violation of State law adopted by this paragraph is prohibited.

Determination: Bicycle use of the tour road is appropriate for enjoying park resources. The above limitations are established to ensure the safety of recreationists, as well as that of the motoring public.


36 CFR §5.5 Filming, Still Photography, and Audio Recording

See Permits.

IV. 36 CFR PART 12 – NATIONAL CEMETERY REGULATIONS

Any and all activities in the Vicksburg National Cemetery will be consistent with the National Cemetery policies and directives set forth in 36 CFR Part 12, DO-RM 61, and NPS Policy Memorandum 22-01.

36 CFR §12.4 Special Events And Demonstrations In National Cemetery

Conducting a special event or demonstration, whether spontaneous or organized, is prohibited in Vicksburg National Cemetery except for official commemorative events conducted for Memorial Day, Veterans Day, and other dates designated by the superintendent as having special historic and commemorative significance to a particular national cemetery.

Dates authorized by 36 CFR § 12.4:

  • Memorial Day (Last Monday in May)
  • Veterans Day (November 11)

The Superintendent has also designated the following dates, which are authorized in NPS Policy Memorandum 22-01, to permit co-sponsored events to commemorate those interred at the National Cemetery:

  • Armed Forces Day – Third Saturday in May
  • Flag Day – June 14
  • National POW/MIA Recognition Day – Third Friday in September


In addition, the Superintendent has designated the following dates for the stated reasons:

  • Ross’s Landing Anniversary – February 14

Justification: Vicksburg National Cemetery is the final resting place for several United States Colored Troops who were massacred at Ross’s Landing. It is appropriate to honor these veterans on this day.

  • National Cemeteries Authorization – February 22

Justification: The system of national cemeteries to honor U.S. soldiers was authorized and established on February 22, 1867. Vicksburg is one of these national cemeteries and is the final resting place for over 18,000 soldiers. It is appropriate to honor these veterans on this day.

  • Vicksburg National Cemetery Authorization – April 12

Justification: Vicksburg National Cemetery was established on April 12, 1867, and is the final resting place for over 18,000 soldiers. It is appropriate to honor these veterans on this day.

  • Battle of Port Gibson Anniversary – May 1

Justification: Vicksburg National Cemetery is the final resting place for several U.S. soldiers who lost their lives at the Battle of Port Gibson on May 1, 1863. It is appropriate to honor these veterans on this day.

  • Battle of Raymond Anniversary – May 12

Justification: Vicksburg National Cemetery is the final resting place for several U.S. soldiers who lost their lives at the Battle of Raymond on May 12, 1863. It is appropriate to honor these veterans on this day.

  • Battle of Jackson Anniversary – May 14

Justification: Vicksburg National Cemetery is the final resting place for several U.S. soldiers who lost their lives at the Battle of Jackson on May 14, 1863. It is appropriate to honor these veterans on this day.

  • Battle of Champion Hill Anniversary – May 16

Justification: Vicksburg National Cemetery is the final resting place for several U.S. soldiers who lost their lives at the Battle of Champion Hill on May 16, 1863. It is appropriate to honor these veterans on this day.

  • Battle of Big Black River – May 17

Justification: Vicksburg National Cemetery is the final resting place for several U.S. soldiers who lost their lives at the Battle of Big Black River on May 17, 1863. It is appropriate to honor these veterans on this day.

  • Battle of Milliken’s Bend Anniversary – June 7

Justification: Vicksburg National Cemetery is the final resting place for several United States Colored Troops who lost their lives at the Battle of Milliken’s Bend on June 7, 1863. It is appropriate to honor these veterans on this day.

  • Vicksburg Surrender Anniversary – July 1-4

Justification: Vicksburg National Cemetery is the final resting place for several U.S. soldiers who lost their lives during the 47-day Siege of Vicksburg, which ended on July 4, 1863. Given this long struggle for freedom, it is appropriate to honor these veterans from July 1-4.

  • National Day of Service and Remembrance – September 11

Justification: September 11 is Patriot Day and the National Day of Service and Remembrance, designated to honor and commemorate the sacrifices made on 9/11 by remembering the heroes, armed forces, first responders, and countless others’ acts of service to defend our nation’s freedom. It is appropriate to honor the veterans buried in Vicksburg National Cemetery on this day.

  • Vicksburg Massacre Anniversary / Pearl Harbor Day – December 7

Justification: Vicksburg National Cemetery is the final resting place for several United States Colored Troops who defended the freedom of African Americans during the Vicksburg Massacres that took place on December 7, 1874. It is also the final burial ground for several U.S. soldiers who fought in World War II. It is appropriate to honor these veterans on this day

12.10 Floral and Commemorative Tributes
The placing of wreaths and floral items is subject to the following restrictions:

  • Fresh cut flowers may be placed on graves at any time.
  • Coins and other metal objects are not permitted to be placed on headstones or monuments; these objects can cause staining of the stone surfaces.
  • Artificial flowers and potted plants shall be permitted on graves 10 days before through 10 days after Easter Sunday and Memorial Day.
  • Small American flags are permitted only during the weekend prior to and on Memorial Day. A permit is required for any other type of flag.
  • During the Christmas season, Christmas wreaths, floral grave blankets and other floral arrangements shall be permitted commencing December 1 and allowed to remain on the grave through January 20 of each year. Grave floral blankets shall not be larger in size than two by three feet (2' x 3').
  • All other objects are prohibited and will be removed by cemetery personnel whenever found on a grave or elsewhere in the Cemetery.
  • Permanent below ground floral containers may not be used. Existing containers will not be maintained. Floral items and other types of decorations shall not be secured or attached to the headstone or commemorative monument.
  • Park staff will remove floral items when they become faded or unsightly. All other permitted items will be removed at the discretion of park staff.

Last updated: February 3, 2025

Contact Info

Mailing Address:

3201 Clay Street
Vicksburg, MS 39183

Phone:

601 636-0583

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