WEEKEND-The greatest hits of the 90s! (1890s that is)

“In and Around Vicksburg”

Several years ago, while reorganizing and consolidating our research library at the Old Court House Museum, I came across the book, In and About Vicksburg, which quickly became one of my favorite publications about Vicksburg. Published in 1890 by the Gibraltar Publishing Co. of Vicksburg, Mississippi, In and About Vicksburg is a compilation of historical resources, images, and statistics on business, education, religion, and so much more. At the time of its release in 1890, it served as an advertisement of the city to entice immigration to Vicksburg. Today, it gives us a sociological glimpse (at times extremely exaggerated) into the period of our city’s past in which it was no longer suffering from the economic struggles left over from the Civil War, but thriving once again as a port city along the Mississippi River.

City Directory advertisements from 1890

We endured

What makes the 1890s period of our history so important though? Vicksburg witnessed remarkable transformations during the late 19th century. In 1890, it stood as a testament to the endurance and adaptability of its citizens. While many regions in the Old South struggled to modernize their way of life after the Civil War, Vicksburg was quick to conform to and integrate the philosophies of the renewed union of the United States. Businesses, seeing exponential growth, were expanding their storefronts, discarding the old wooden river shacks, and replacing them with the permanence of brick and mortar. Education, both public and private, had seen a massive expansion with the inclusion of three new school buildings while boasting the diversity of the educators that had come to the area in recent years. Associations for music, art, and literature had been established throughout the city, which attracted talent from all across the world. The city’s theaters, music halls, and saloons buzzed with activity.

A fun place to live

Theatrical performances and musical concerts drew residents and visitors alike, offering a respite from the daily grind. Real estate and personal property value had grown to over $4,500,000, and the City’s taxable income had increased to $100,000 annually providing a means for future expansions. On paper, Vicksburg seemed like it was a paradise reborn from the ashes of the War-torn country just 30 years prior.

There were challenges

Life in 1890 Vicksburg was not without its challenges. We must recognize this publication for what it was; an exaggerated advertisement, which omits many of the negative aspects during that time. The aftermath of the Civil War and the Reconstruction era had left its mark on the city. While strides were being made towards social progress, there were still racial tensions and inequalities that needed to be addressed. The disenfranchisement of the African American people was evident in local politics. With the absence of Union occupation at the end of the 1870s, Vicksburg politicians were eager to reverse the social changes brought on by Reconstruction. In addition to these societal issues, periodic floods from the mighty Mississippi River posed a constant threat. Citizens had to be vigilant and resourceful in dealing with the challenges of nature. This period between the late 19th and early 20th century is almost ironic in hindsight.

City Directory advertisements from 1890s

Rapid expansion

When In and About Vicksburg was published, Vicksburg was expanding rapidly in both population and capital. From 1880 to 1890, Vicksburg grew from 12,000 residents to 20,000, and by the early 1900’s the city had increased again to 27,000. For nearly 100 years following the turn of the century, Vicksburg would hit a point of stagnation in its expansion seeing no new major growth. Despite the purpose of the publication being to bring immigrants to Vicksburg, the political and social structures of the city often resisted newcomers to the area. In and About Vicksburg may give us a romanticized picture of a thriving city, but there is enough truth within its pages to see a glimpse of our city’s growth and development following the end of the era of the Old  South. Vicksburg in 1890 was a city of progress, diversity, and resilience. It embraced its rich history while looking forward to a promising future.