The drive south was mostly US highway 65 that provided a very scenic view of a combination of rural Arkansas and Louisiana that we had not seen before. Veering off the interstates does have some advantages to better see the country. We saw many cotton fields being picked by huge machines, miles of pancake flat farm land, and some very poor small towns.
We left the Little Rock area at about 9:30 am and arrived in Vicksburg at 4:00 pm. About 6.5 hours on the road with 3 stops including a lunch stop which was interesting enough at a McDonald’s that had RV parking in the back. Near the end of the drive, we crossed the mighty Mississippi River and crossed from Louisiana into Mississippi. Another new state! Louisiana did not count toward our state map because we did not camp there. This was an amazing bridge to drive the truck and camper across. Our MPG was 10.8 and consumed about $50 worth of diesel fuel. Our campground is located in town and is operated by one of the casinos. Very convenient.
Our drive down consisted of miles and miles of flat farm land and when crossing over into Vicksburg we were back into the hills again as there is a high ridge running through the area, then steep sloping streets down to the river. Thanks to the Lord for safe traveling mercies.
It is amazing at how much each area of the country differs as we cruise through. Vicksburg has 24,000 people, so not a very large town with demographics of 60% African American and 37% white. It has much history including the 47 day siege during the war between the states after which the Confederates surrendered to the Union solders. There are also many old antebellum mansions. We plan to tour some.
In our five days here so far we have taken the free shuttle to the casino, promptly lost $10, then had lunch at their buffet. It was quite good. Then we toured three history museums that included the old court house, the old depot, and a 1960’s era Corp of Engineers river boat. In the courthouse museum they had a large section devoted to Jefferson Davis, the president of the confederacy. I learned several things about him including that he was imprisoned after the war and in one speech said he we was unrepentant and would do it again. Very principled.
The photos below are the final day in Little Rock, the journey down south, and the first few days in Vicksburg. It has been in the high 80’s and low 90’s, but a cold front is finally coming through. Enjoy!
Little Rock Central High School
We walked over the Big Dam Bridge. This is a huge walking bridge over the top of a hydroelectric dam. Cute name from a local politician.
The riverboat below is the American Queen that is one of the Mississippi River cruises. This is a luxury cruise that was doing the lower half of the river in 9 days with 7 stops from New Orleans to Memphis. Only $2,999 per person! It had docked while we were touring the museum by the river.
Enjoy your day.
The murals are beautiful. I would love to walk across the Arkansas River bridge, even with the 50 mph wind. Any pictures of the cotton fields? The map really helped me picture where you are traveling. Thanks for the pics and updates. Happy trails!
No cotton field photos, sorry. They were extremely large fields with smallish 3 or 4 foot plants with many white puffs. Most of the fields had been harvested leaving only the stubble that was being burnt off and some stray cotton along the fence rows. I will try to post a map from now on as we travel! Thanks