So here we are on the cusp of another Independence Day holiday. For most folks this simply means a day off with pay. For some it means a full day of work at time and a half wages. For others it means a trip to the lake, the mountains, or the backyard swimming pool. It often includes BBQ, iced cold beer, ice cream and other yummy backyard cuisine.
I want to share with you some interesting information and tell you about what’s going on in Vicksburg this year. Did you know that Vicksburg did not celebrate the 4th of July until 1945? Say what? It’s true. I’m sure there were some unofficial “celebrations,” here and there, but to officially “celebrate” this most important day was not done. Why you ask? I’ll tell you. You see it all started a very long time ago, 1863 to be exact. The people of Vicksburg don’t want to remember what happened on the 4th of July in 1863 because that’s the day John C. Pemberton surrendered to General Ulysses S. Grant, thus sealing the fate of the nation. The surrender of Vicksburg was the major turning point of the American Civil War. The day the tables were turned and the South was destined to lose.
Fast forward 82 years later, the United States was victorious in another major war – World War II. On Independence Day that year, Vicksburg celebrated 4th of July for the very first time in honor of that feat. Weird huh? Not that it’s much of a celebration mind you. The city hosts some night time entertainment along the waterfront and shoots off some pretty cool fireworks, but that’s about it.
But, here at the Baer-Williams House we decided that this great city needs more things to do on this most important holiday. This town is so rich with history and drama and folklore that it’s a shame not to showcase those things. So here’s a list of all the fun and educational things available to do this week in honor of the America’s independence:
Civil War Symposium: Vicksburg: what did it really mean for the war?
Tuesday, July 3, 2018 – 7:00 p.m. – Old Courthouse Museum
The 4th of July 1863 was momentous in the prosecution of the war, with Lee in retreat, defeated in his second attempt to take the war to northern soil, and Pemberton surrendering Vicksburg to Grant; opening the Mississippi River for the federal war effort from source to mouth and splitting the confederacy in half. Gettysburg got most of the headlines, overshadowing what happened at Vicksburg, as the eastern theater activities always did. The intent to minimize the Vicksburg victory was not intentional but was, nevertheless, the resulting effect. This symposium will examine the question of how important Vicksburg was in the ultimate federal victory over the confederacy.
Proceeds will benefit the Old Courthouse Museum and the Vicksburg Civil War Round Table.
Breakfast With the Generals
Wednesday, July 4, 2018 – 8:30 – 10:00 a.m. – Baer House Inn
Enjoy all you can eat breakfast buffet with Civil War Generals Grant, Pemberton and others. Vicksburg was the key to the south. Come find out why and learn other interesting facts about the siege and surrender of Vicksburg. Photo opportunities, question & answer session, book signings, children’s crafts.
A portion of proceeds will benefit the Vicksburg Civil War Round Table.
Reenactment of surrender
Wednesday, July 4, 2018 – 11:00 a.m. – Old Courthouse Museum
Living history event for the entire family. Watch from the majestic courtroom of the Old Courthouse Museum as Generals Grant and Pemberton discuss the terms of the surrender of Vicksburg. Followed by photo opportunities and question & answer sessions with the Generals on the grounds of the Old Courthouse.
Book signings
Wednesday, July 4, 2018 – 1:00 p.m. – Lorelei Books
Gallivanting with the Generals
Wednesday, July 4, 2018 – 2:00 – 4:00 p.m. – McRaven House
Living history with lectures and demonstrations from historians in period costume. Family-friendly event with interactive activities. Confederate soldiers, children’s games and activities. Have fun and learn with Jefferson Davis, General Pemberton, Emma Balfour and others
The day will end with a free concert and fireworks viewing along the waterfront around 9:00 p.m.
So, there you have it, the long line-up of activities for 4th of July 2018 here in Vicksburg, Mississippi. What’s going on in your town? Do you have an Independence Day routine? Does you town go all out for the holiday? Inquiring minds want to know.
Word of the Day: Scyphus
Fun fact about me: I have curly grey hair now. I always wanted curly hair, well now I’ve got it. Didn’t want the grey, but hey, it’s hair.
Original post by Jansen Schmidt, June 2018. Photos courtesy Google Images, P. Rickrode, Amazon and others.
jansenschmidt 
That’s so awesome to have all those events available to celebrate and remember history. The biggest things we have in our town is a breakfast with vets (which is pretty cool) and a fairly decent fireworks show. I wish there was something here that would tie into history like in Vicksburg, but since Oregon is quite a bit younger than Mississippi, I guess we’ll have to stick to the pioneer days. Have a great 4th!
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Happy 4th to you as well my friend. Enjoy the breakfast with the vets. That’s a cool deal.
Patricia
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Thanks for sharing this interesting bit of history! It never would have occurred to me. My city does a big festival, with entertainment and fireworks. We stay away from the festival (ugh, traffic) and hang out with friends who have a great view of the fireworks.
My hair was straight before I was pregnant with our daughter. Been wavy ever since. Perhaps I need to introduce you to a good friend of mine named Loreal. I recently met another called Garnier. 😀
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Ha – I’ve heard of Loreal and Garnier. I’m not going to make friends with them just yet though. I need to see what other surprises this chemotherapy is going to bestow upon me before I change anything. Who knows, I might end up blond.
Enjoy the 4th! Good food, good friends and good fireworks. Can’t go wrong there.
Patricia
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I grew up in the south to northern parents in the late 60s. Never got the whole Confederacy thing. But 1945? Crazy. I’ve been away from my roots for more than 3 decades now and I am more of a northerner than a southerner. I do t recall Memorial Day being a big day either, but it is up north. We always spend the fourth at the lake and go to fireworks in town which start about 10:30 at night when it gets dark here. We also go to watch the parade at 11 AM – it’s usually short, but it’s a parade. I’ve been here at the lake every fourth since we’ve been married except one, maybe two.
Sounds like you have some pretty amazing things lined up for Vicksburg and the Baer House sounds fun, but I love history. I have curtly grey hair, too. Welcome to the club! Have fun and I look forward to reading all about your fourth shenanigans next Monday!
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I know you have your usual haunts, Clay and I’m glad that you enjoy your routine. 4th of July is one of my favorite holidays so I’m so glad we were able to have such a nice day of activities lined up.
Thanks for stopping by. I hope you’re continuing to heal and get stronger with that new knee.
Patricia
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Hi again.I just read this post, as it was advertised on your current page. This is so fascinating. Do you have this breakfast with the Generals every year? Do they speak as if it is still July 4th 1863? They do that at Appomattox. One lady asked if she could take a movie of the guide (in Union dress) and he asked “what’s a movie?” They take their living history seriously there.
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