in Vicksburg, MS
There are many parts of this road trip I have been looking forward to experiencing but when it comes to following the Civil War journey of my 4th Great Grandfather, Vicksburg was always going to be the highlight. It did not disappoint.
Continuing to flex our itinerary, we swapped some plans around when we learned of the chance to have "Breakfast with the Generals." Some very knowledgeable, talented, and convincing living historians portrayed the generals: Curt Fields as Gen. U.S. Grant, Morgan Gates as Gen. Pemberton, and Larry McCluney as Gen. Beauregard. They spoke about the situation in Vicksburg while in character, answered questions, and even posed for pictures. While the Generals were talking, ladies in period costumes taught our girls how to make rags dolls (my son chose to stay and listen).
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| "Breakfast with the Generals" in Vicksburg |
After "Breakfast with the Generals," the whole group walked over to the historic courthouse where the Generals spoke about the surrender which happened on this day 154 years ago. I really enjoyed the event and I am so glad we learned about it last minute and had the flex to accommodate.
We stayed after for a bit to check out the exhibits at the Old Courthouse Museum.
What would have been our morning plans were pushed to the afternoon, after a very satisfying lunch at McAlister's -- another chain we had never been to, though it seems they do have some locations in Illinois (we may have to check that out when we return).
It was finally time to visit Vicksburg National Military Park. We were pleasantly surprised to learn there was no ticket needed nor fee today -- $15 back in the budget, right there.
We drove along the tour road, occasionally stopping for pictures or for a better look at the monuments.
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| Vicksburg National Military Park |
We came to the Illinois State Monument and I was brimming with anticipation as we climbed the steps. For me to find my Great-Great-Great-Great Grandpa's name on the wall was a culminating moment after years of getting to know him through my family history research. It is a beautiful monument and we stayed a short while to take it all in.
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| Standerfer, John (JBS) on the Illinois Monument at Vicksburg |
We continued on the tour road coming to the USS Cairo Gunboat and Museum. Finally seeing the real USS Cairo brought back some humorous memories of the time we drove to Cairo, IL, thinking that we would see it there, only to find a little model of it in a small, old museum.
We stopped at a picnic area for a small snack and continued on until we found the regiment marker for the Illinois 87th Volunteer Infantry. It took a second look through to find the additional marker for the sharpshooters of the regiment (I do not know if JBS was a sharpshooter or not but wanted to find the marker).
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| Regimental Marker for Illinois 87th at Vicksburg |
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| Marker for Illinois 87th Sharpshooters at Vicksburg |
There is still a little more of JBS's Civil War journey to retrace, but Vicksburg was by far the most significant stop for him and for us following him.
After some pool time at the hotel, we headed to the historic downtown area for dinner at the rooftop restaurant of 10 South. We took another break at the hotel to rest up for our late night. It was the kids' usual bedtime when we made a quick stop to grab some ice cream and head back towards the river to find a spot to view the fireworks.
We had our picnic blanket out, our glow sticks glowing, our ice cream eaten, and the fireworks were just starting, when I heard the panic in my daughter's voice. She had accidentally, unknowingly disturbed a fire ant mound and they began to swam her feet and legs. Luckily, I was able to grab her quickly and start wiping her legs down. My husband held her as I got her shoes off. A man nearby saw what was happening and got us a bottle of water. We got all the ants off her but not before she had a couple dozen bites on her feet and ankles, and one on her thumb. She wanted to watch the fireworks but was in too much discomfort and we left early, my husband carrying her up hill the four blocks back to the car as tears streamed down her face. It was a traumatic end to the night for all of us but I am happy to report that she is doing fine now.