History
Historic Return: Grand Jury Convenes at Old Court House Museum After 88 Years

VICKSBURG, Miss. by Jordan Rushing (VDN) — On Monday, May 19th, 2025, history will be made as the Warren County Grand Jury gathers at the Old Court House Museum for the first official use of the building by the County in 88 years.
Beginning at 10 a.m., Judge Chaney will issue orders to the Grand Jury in the Court Room of the historic building, a momentous occasion in both Warren County’s judicial and historical legacy.
Constructed between 1858 and 1860, the Old Court House once stood as the heart of Warren County’s
legal proceedings before its closure in 1937. The County’s judicial operations were then relocated to the Art Deco-style courthouse on Cherry Street, leaving the original structure abandoned for over a decade. In 1948, Miss Eva Whitaker Davis, founder of the Vicksburg & Warren County Historical Society, led the charge to preserve the building from demolition, transforming it into the Old Court House Museum—a repository of over 1,200 years of regional history.

The upcoming Grand Jury session not only revives the judicial presence within these historic walls but
also honors the legacy of preservation championed by Miss Davis. The return of county proceedings to
the Old Court House stands as a testament to its enduring significance in the community and its role in
shaping Vicksburg’s past, present, and future.
This return to the Old Court House is more than just a legal proceeding—it’s a nod to the resilience of
history and the dedication of those who sought to preserve it.
For inquiries about this historic event, please contact Jordan Rushing, Director/CuratorOld Court House Museum, at 601-636-0741 or email at societyhistorica@bellsouth.net.
The Old Court House Museum, established in 1948, houses a vast collection of artifacts that chronicle
the rich history of Vicksburg and Warren County. Operated by the Vicksburg & Warren County
Historical Society, the museum continues to educate and inspire visitors with its extensive archives and
historical exhibits.