History Lesson While on the Road

In our six years of life on the road, we’ve passed through Vicksburg, MS (population 26,407) probably a handful of times, but neither had nor took the time to stop and visit either the Vicksburg Civil War Museum or the Vicksburg National Military Park. But this time; on our return to Carrollton, TX from Hollywood, FL, we took 90 minutes and visited the Civil War Museum located downtown. The Military Park requires and deserves a minimum of a half-day.

Before entering the Museum, displays on the outside of the building provided interesting data and statistics on the two nations at war, the States comprising each, and the “Siege of Vicksburg,” the critical Union victory that ultimately led to the end of the war.

Once inside, we met Charles Pendleton, the current and first African American owner of the museum. We both were struck immediately by his expertise and passion. He launched into a well-honed routine, which included a warm welcome, a simple oral test of our Civil War knowledge, a recommendation on how best to move through the museum displays, and collection of the $10 price of admission. He also suggested we read the museum’s mission statement, which he wrote, before starting our visit. It was succinct, but concluded with this statement, ““Our goal is not to educate you but to inspire you to become more educated.” I believe he achieved this goal by presenting a balanced and unbiased depiction of both the Union and Confederate sides of the war.

I followed his recommended route, which began at a display wall containing each Confederate State’s legislated secession statement. Most State’s stated their decision to secede was based on State’s Rights, without mentioning slavery. Yet, several State’s justified their decision in depth, claiming that the African American was sub-human and deserved to be enslaved in order for the Confederacy to enjoy the economic benefits of the cotton industry. While I don’t agree with this justification, I walked away understanding how deeply the majority of the population of the CSA (Confederate States of America) believed this. A belief strong enough to defend by going to war.

The second stop was a display of quotes made by prominent representatives from each side. While I read them all, I only took pictures of a few from the ones representing the Union. Those from the Confederacy again spoke to the strong belief in and need for slavery, a cause for which, they were clearly willing to die. While some were humorous, most offered opinions from both sides of why the war was undeniably necessary.

Charles encouraged a stop at the replica of a slave’s quarters, particularly because one could hear actual recordings of slaves speaking subsequently about their squalid living and working conditions. Admittedly, I had trouble understanding the recordings because the accents of the speakers were so strong. Nonetheless, the display left an impression.

The museum has tens of thousands of artifacts found and donated by private treasure hunters, and those Charles has purchased at Gun & Relic Trade shows. He attends one or two each year. I took pictures of several artifact displays and downloaded others from their website gallery to provide an idea of the size of this collection.

The variety of munitions used in the war was extensive.

Here was the basic field kit provided to a typical army officer.

One of a number of bullet display boxes. Some bullets were intricate pieces of art carved by talented, bored soldiers.

A display representing the types of period artifacts purchased for or donated to the museum.

I know and care little about firearms; however, the museum collection of derringers, revolvers, and rifles was substantial. A gun aficionado would have a field day at the museum, plus, there were opportunities for purchasing some weapons.

We’ve encountered numerous Civil War memorials during our travels across the eastern half of the country. We enjoy history and have made an effort to visit and learn from these sites when possible. We definitely recommend you plan a stop in Vicksburg.

Aside:

MFI spent most of her time speaking with Charles Pendleton. He has owned and curated the museum for a little over four years. As an African American, he has ensured the role played on both sides of the war by slaves and freedmen were covered in the museum. Inexplicably, he told us there had never been an African American tour the museum. We found this sad, as the stories of slaves, African American Union soldiers, and freedmen were a critical and important part of the Civil War.