My Hometown: Vicksburg, Mississippi
Assignment #4, Task #1

It seems like more often that not, that I am one of the only people in College Station, TX that wasn't born here in the great state of Texas. I had the privilege of being born in a place that even my own family considers "out there." I was born in a prominent Civil War town known as Vicksburg. It's a place that has it's own culture, it's own way of life, and it's own people. It truly is unlike anywhere else in the country and certainly the world. It's a simple place with not much more than a battleground museum, but I hold it close to me for the history it presents to my family and the memories I have growing up there. Firstly, I'll go over the usual metrics to evaluate a town.

Growth
Vicksburg, MS isn't a place thats really growing. It's the only city in Warren County. The Census Bureau shows the population at 26,407 in 2000 and down to 23,649 in 2011. That's not a significant change recently. In fact, Vicksburg has only undergone significant growth changes ages ago. To summarize it briefly, Vicksburg was apart of Natchez Indian land in Mississippi during the early 1700's. When it was settled by French Colonists, the Choctaw took over and the land. Americans took control by the turn of the century in 1809, and Vicksburg became settled. As technological developments such as making Vicksburg a major port on the Mississippi and railroads came forth, the town grew and grew until the Civil War erupted. It was at this point in time that the Siege of Vicksburg took place in 1863 and gave the city it's most known trait. From here, the city shrunk to a steady population. As time passed, the city didn't sprawl too much until Interstate 20 was built and then more and more residents set up around the route. Since then, the population has stayed steady with little fluctuation.

Demographics
Vicksburg is composed of predominantly two ethnicities: caucasians and African Americans. There, it is about a 40/60 split between the two. As far as age is concerned, 32% of the town is composed of children under the age of 18, 35% are married couples, and the median age is 34.

Economics
The city of Vicksburg is a pretty typical American small town. Centuries ago, it was used more as a port for shuttling trade for steamboat traffic. During the 1800's, it's dominance as a port led to it's development of a crossing over the Mississippi. This became the only crossover point in the South. Today, the economy of Vicksburg depends primarily on services, retail, and transportation. However, even with this economic model, the unemployment rate exceeds 10% and the US average. I wouldn't necessarily say that the city or the people are poor, but it is certainly not New York City.

Lifestyle
Like most small American towns, the way of life in Vicksburg is simple. People keep to themselves and enjoy the natural beauty that is evident in Mississippi. Living most of my life in Texas, the other huge difference I notice is the abundance of casinos and the prominence they hold. People flock to these establishments, and since turning 21, I have witnessed first-hand their luster. The days I spend there are spent hunting, fishing, and gambling. Really, what more can a 22 year old college student want?

My Favorite Spots
I love Vicksburg for a number of reasons, but more than any, it is because of the places. I am drawn to the casinos like Ameristar and to the abundance of American history littered in the Civil War Museum. But the reason I truly hold it so dear is because of my birthright: "Glory on the Lake." In 1874, my great great great grandfather purchased 1800 acres of land along the Yazoo River. This land has since remained in my family as a refuge 20 miles off I-20 for hunting, fishing, and enjoying the scenery. It has flooded 4 times and been wiped away, but we have always rebuilt. All generations of my family occupy it, and we have houses and camps built all over the land. It is truly the most incredible place on this Earth, and one day, it will be mine. However, the coolest aspect of it all is the fact that 35 minutes of the major Coen Brothers film O Brother, Where Art Thou? was filmed on the land. If you have never seen the film, I implore you to watch it. It has wonderful music and an even better story and acting.

Vicksburg, Mississippi will always be my home. It's a simple place with not much to offer most people, but those who propagate from there are the salt of the Earth. The simplicity of it is what I like best.

The Civil War Museum, Ameristar Casino Boat, Picture of me on the levy at "Glory on the Lake", A scene from O Brother, Where Art Thou? (the same area as the above shot)