Rehabilitation and Restoration of the Shirley House: Environmental Assessment, Vicksburg National Military Park, National Park Service

National Park Service

Environmental Assessment report for the Rehabilitation and Restoration of the Shirley House at Vicksburg National Military ParkThe National Park Service proposes to rehabilitate and restore the Shirley House at Vicksburg National Military Park, Mississippi. The Shirley House is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and it is one of only two remaining antebellum structures in the park. The structure was near Union siege lines, playing a prominent role in the 47-day battle to capture Vicksburg during the Civil War activity of Spring, 1863. The house also had significant associations with the activities of both military and civilian African-Americans during the period of Union occupation. Since the early 1900s, the structure has undergone several episodes of restoration and rehabilitation. A substantial portion of the interior finishes were gutted during the first phase of a remodeling project in the 1960s, but were never replaced, which resulted in missing, damaged, or weak support beams and framing members. Emergency stabilization measures have been implemented in recent years, but the building remains closed to the public and access is limited to park employees performing necessary inspections and repairs. The poor condition of the house is a threat to public and employee safety, and its restoration will enhance interpretive and accessibility opportunities for visitors. These concerns have been addressed in this environmental assessment (EA), and 3 options are considered: Alternative A (No Action Alternative), Alternative B (Preferred Alternative), and Alternative C. The preferred alternative of the National Park Service (NPS) includes rehabilitation to the exterior of the house to match its 1860s appearance. The main level would be restored to that same time period to the greatest practical extent, and these rooms would be opened to the public for interpretive exhibits corresponding with park goals. The attic and basement would be off-limits to visitors and used for mechanical equipment. Although no heating or cooling systems would be installed, modifications such as fire detection, fire suppression, and security systems would improve health and safety standards for public and staff. Alternative C is identical to this, aside from a few differences: the structure would be staffed by NPS personnel or volunteers, exhibits would be supplemented with reproductions of period furniture, and the structure would be equipped with heating and cooling systems for both comfort and preservation. The Environmental Assessment report for the Shirley House evaluates the effects of each alternative on natural and cultural resources, taking into consideration the visitor experience and the human environment. The report also provides information for those wishing to review or respond to the treatment plan. [The review period ended in December, 2009.]

Rehabilitation and Restoration of the Shirley House: Environmental Assessment, Vicksburg National Military Park, National Park Service

Series

Collections