Vicksburg National Military Park to Host Remembrance of the 150th Anniversary of the Vicksburg Massacre of 1874

VICKSBURG, Miss. – The Vicksburg National Military Park and the Friends of Vicksburg National Military Park and Campaign will host events in remembrance of the 150th Anniversary of the Vicksburg Massacre on December 6-7, 2024. The Episcopal Diocese Mississippi’s Racial Reconciliation Task Force is hosting an event on December 8.

The events of the Vicksburg Massacre of 1874 are significant to the history of Vicksburg and national story of the Reconstruction Era. Peter Crosby was elected as first African American Sheriff of Warren County in 1873. Throughout 1874 attempts were made to intimidate him and other African Americans in the area. On December 2, 1874, armed white men with the Taxpayers’ League demanded his resignation. Sheriff Crosby issued requests for aid to restore him to office. On December 7, 1874, African American citizens marched to Vicksburg in support of Sheriff Crosby, however they were intercepted by groups of armed white men. In the ensuing violence of that day and the weeks after, approximately 23 African Americans were killed throughout Warren County. Reports of violence lasted until around Christmas Day. Black men hid out in the woods until the end of the month/year. Federal troops were sent to Vicksburg and Sheriff Crosby was reinstated.

Racial troubles continued in Vicksburg through 1875 and beyond. A congressional hearing was held on the massacre. Sheriff Crosby was shot in the face in June 1875 and further violence occurred targeting African Americans on July 5, 1875.

The location of homes on Old Jackson Road, which are now park land, including the Shirley House, were sites of racial violence during the Massacre. The Shirley House will serve as the location for the Remembrance Ceremony and Wreath Laying on December 7.

No entrance fee for those attending the December 7 event in the park.

150th Anniversary Remembrance Events

Events sponsored National Park Service and Friends of Vicksburg National Military Park and Campaign

Symposium

Friday December 6, 2024 at 5:30 PM

Bethel AME Church, 805 Monroe St, Vicksburg MS 39183

Two leading scholars on the Vicksburg Massacre and history of the African American experience in Vicksburg will present on their ongoing research and discoveries.

Sessions:

• Vicksburg Massacre: Causes and Consequences of Black Participation in the Body Politic during the Age of Redeemer Violence
  Al Dorsey, Ph.D. – Jackson State University

• Heroes and Martyrs: Warren County’s African American Men and Women Fight for Equality in 1874
  Beth Kruse, Ph.D. Mellon Fellow for African American Experience in Vicksburg Civil War through Reconstruction

Remembrance Ceremony and Wreath Laying

Saturday December 7, 2024 at 10:00 AM

Shirley House, Tour Stop 2, Vicksburg National Military Park

Remembrance Ceremony and Wreath Laying will include music, a libation ceremony, and a wreath laying at the location of some of the key events of December 7, 1874.

Event sponsored by Episcopal Diocese of Mississippi’s Racial Reconciliation Task Force 

A Service of Sacred Remembrance

Sunday December 8 at 11:00 AM

St. Mary’s Episcopal Church, 900 1st North St., Vicksburg MS