Old Courthouse hosts court business for first time since 1937

VICKSBURG, Miss. (VDN) — For the first time in 88 years, official court business was held today in the Vicksburg courthouse at 1008 Cherry Street, built in 1860.

After grand jury selection, jurors were escorted across the street from the current courthouse, built in 1937, to the Old Court House Museum, where Judge Jim Chaney presided over the reading of the instructions to the jurors.

“The fact that the building still stands today for us to gather within for this moment is a testament to the preservation efforts of our community,” said Jordan Rushing, director of the Old Court House Museum. “This is something I’m incredibly proud to be a part of.”

Before Judge Cheney read the duties and instructions to the grand jury, he spoke not only of the historical significance of today’s event but also briefly mentioned some of the historical cases held in the building, including the court-martial of Union Capt. Frederic Speed.

In 1866, the federal court-martial for Capt. Frederick Speed, a Union officer who sent more than 1,500 paroled prisoners into Vicksburg from the parole camp, was charged with grossly overcrowding the Sultana and found guilty in the courtroom of the old courthouse.

“We appreciate everyone being here today to witness this historic moment and hope this will open the doors for more opportunities in the future,” Rushing said.