Goldens on the Road: The Old Court House in Vicksburg

While the 'pups' are playing at Puppy Camp we enjoyed going through The Old Court House Museum in Vicksburg Mississippi. There is so much history here it can be overwhelming, but here we will explore more of Vicksburg's amazing past.

When Teddy Roosevelt came to Vicksburg, he visited the Old Court House. So did Jefferson Davis, Booker T. Washington, William McKinley, and Ulysses S. Grant—and so should you. Vicksburg’s crown jewel, both architecturally and historically, this National Landmark towers above the city on a hill hallowed by history. It was on these grounds that Jefferson Davis launched his political career; it was here on July 4, 1863 that the Stars and Stripes replaced the Stars and Bars, signifying the end to the 47-day siege. It has been a museum since 1948, filled with items reflecting the Southern Heritage, from pre-Columbian artifacts to fine portraits, furniture, china, silver, toys, tools, clothing and the largest collection of Civil War memorabilia in the South.(visitvicksburg.com)

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This is such a lovely historic building I would like to share additional photos of it.

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Below also shows one of the four cisterns on the property.

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Below is a shot of the back steps. I thought it looked a bit creepy - like something haunted! Notice the chain link fence on the left - it contained a live eagle and no one we talked with could explain who was keeping the eagle or why! So if anyone knows the reason for keeping an eagle caged behind this court house please let me know.

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This is another interesting note: below shows a petrified tree laying on it's side being used as a planter in the front of the Court House. Preservation of Mother Nature ... I approve :)

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If you read my chapter on the Vicksburg National Military Park, I mentioned that one can find the blue and red plaques all around town ... well, you can also find cannons all around town. Below is one located in the front yard of the Court House.

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Moving in to the Museum we found one of the largest collections of Civil War memorabilia we've seen so far.

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Confederate notes ($$$)

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Various guns and rifles used in Vicksburg during the siege.

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Below - the Ketchum Hand Grenade was a type of grenade used in the American Civil War. It was patented on August 20, 1861 by William F. Ketchum, a mayor of Buffalo, N.Y.., and was partially adopted in the Union Army. They were used in battles such as Vicksburg and Petersburg (both major sieges in the war).

The grenades have the appearance of a cast-iron ball, or a skinny dart, having fins of cardboard to stabilize the flight. They assured landing on the nose, which was backed by a percussion cap that set off the main powder charge in the body. The grenades were largely inefficient because they had to land on their nose to detonate. In one incident Confederates caught them in blankets and hurled them back at the attackers.

Ketchums came primarily in 1, 3 and 5 lb. varieties. The most recognized Confederate copy is the Raines Grenade; it was even less effective. In most cases, the body was the same, but a long cloth streamer was substituted for the fins, and the plunger was a contact explosive. (Wikipedia)

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Various shells and cannon shot used during the siege.

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Both Union and Confederate buttons.

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Grant's Chair

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Calico dress worn by a Vicksburg lady circa 1861. Note the dove of peace buttons.

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This plaque is referring to the quilt in the next photo - just beautiful, it's hard to believe it was sewn in 1840!

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Display of a parlor and bedroom for the 'well to do' circa 1850

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This plaque, of course, explains the Grand Piano photo below it. I never realized Grand Pianos were square but just like those of today absolutely lovely!

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Instruments of Drum and Bugle Corps

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Early photography equipment.. Yikes! Thank goodness for the digital age :)

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Tools, kitchen utensils, pots and pans from the civil war era.

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Spinning wheels and jugs of booze....sounds right!!!!

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Hand made cradle 1800

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I really enjoyed the item below. It was amazing that in 1800, without the benefit of our advanced tools and machines, this hand crafted item transitioned from a short (close to the floor) stationary high chair to a tall high chair for the child as they grow and it also becomes a rocking chair with a tray - so the child can play and not get into mischief !

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Vintage high chair circa 1830

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Before Mr. Gilbert, shoes were sold separately instead of in pairs!

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Ride anyone?

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Located on the second floor is the courtroom where proceedings were held from 1859 until 1939. After occupation of the city by Union troops during the Civil War, the courtroom was used by U.S. Army personnel. Following the war, many cases and speeches were made in the courtroom. One of the most notable cases was in 1874, where former President Jefferson Davis tried to get his plantation, Brierfield, which was located nearby, returned to him. While attending the proceedings, Davis would wear his usual gray suit. He lost the case in the carpetbagger-controlled courtroom, but later won by appealing to the Mississippi Supreme Court.

It is interesting to note that during the Civil War General Grant usually rode a horse called Cincinnati. Within Grant's memoirs, he later admitted that while in the Vicksburg area, he stole a small horse from the Brierfield Plantation, and named it Jeff Davis... One lesser known court case involved Holt Collier, a black Confederate veteran, who was accused of murdering a white Union officer. The courtroom, with its' 24 foot high ceilings, uses the same color scheme today as when the first proceedings were held. Iron doors lead to the balcony area.

During the Civil War, Confederate troops used the cupola as a signaling station. It was often the target by Union troops, and a mortar shell hit the courthouse during the siege of Vicksburg, killing two Confederate soldiers. At one point prior to the siege of Vicksburg, Union prisoners were temporarily held in the courtroom area.(Southpoint.com)