Daughters at the Old Court House Museum

A view of the Old Court House from the Sweet Olive tour boat as it passes by our city water front in the Yazoo Diversion Channel in Vicksburg, MS.

A historical plaque on the grounds of the Old Court House Museum of Dr. J. D. Miles who was the frist president of the Mississippi Dental Association and my daughters' great-great grandfather.

Two of my daughters Debra (above) and Suzy (below) posing on a huge log taken back in the mid-80's on the front lawn of the Old Court House Museum.

The Old Court House Museum, a National Historic Landmark, stands on one of the highest hills in Vicksburg on land given by the family of the city's founder, Newet Vick. Located at Cherry, Grove, Jackson and Monroe Streets, the courthouse is adorned with four porticoes supported by 30-foot Ionic columns bordering an entry on each side of the building. To this day, the building still has its original doors, shutters and iron grill work.

The construction of the Warren County Court House began in the summer of 1858. It was built by the Weldon Brothers who used skilled slave labor. It was completed in 1860 shortly before the Civil War began.

It was at the Old Court House that a local planter by the name of Jefferson Davis embarked on his political journey and became President of the Confederacy. Over the years, many prominent Americans have visited the Court House including Presidents Ulysses S. Grant, William McKinley, Theodore Roosevelt and Dwight D. Eisenhower.

It was also at the Old Court House that the U.S. flag was raised and the Confederate flag lowered on July 4, 1863, when Vicksburg surrendered to Union forces during the Civil War. It was also used to house prisoners during the war.

More than likely, the Old Court House would have been demolished in 1948 were it not for the efforts of Eva Whitaker Davis. Because of her strong conviction to see history stand through the ages, she, along with other Vicksburg residents prevented officials from destroying the building after a new court house had been built across the street.

Today the museum displays hundreds of artifacts that reflect the heritage of the area including an outstanding collection of Civil War memorabilia. The museum is operated by the Vicksburg and Warren County Historical Society.

This is a must see if you ever come through my hometown of Vicksburg, MS!