After my two and a half days in Vicksburg, I’m safely ensconced back home in the heart of the Eastern Theater of the Civil War. But wow, what a time I had. I had a few extra shots I wanted to share that didn’t necessarily fit in with the rest of the collection, so I thought I’d add a quick postscript.
I also wanted to offer a huge thank-you to the American Battlefield Trust for inviting Emerging Civil War to partner with them on this fantastic Facebook LIVE excursion—with a particular shout out to the Trust’s education manager, Kris White. The Trust has been a fantastic partner to work with, and we’re so glad we’re able to help support their important preservation work. (Thanks, too, to the Trust’s Connor Townsend for all her great camera work, directing, and social media management!)
I also want to offer a big thank-you to Vicksburg National Military Park. I was honestly stunned by how many people who followed along on the Facebook broadcasts said things like, “I didn’t know that much about Vicksburg.” It’s every bit as important as Gettysburg and worth just as much close study. I also saw a lot of people say, “I’ve never been there, but I want to go now that I’ve seen this.” I assure you, it’s an impressive park that will not disappoint. If you make the trip to Vicksburg, you will not be disappointed!
Historian extraordinaire Parker Hills, Vicksburg NMP Superintendent Bill Justice, Vicksburg NMP Superintendent Scott Babinowich, and the Trust’s Kris White plan out the action for our Thursday shoot. Scott spent all day with us, and he really impressed me with his enthusiasm, knowledge, and smooth, polished delivery.The ship’s bell from the USS Cairo, recovered with the ship and cleaned up, now sits on display in the Cairo museum. The artifacts on display there tell a fascinating story about the ship’s life, loss, and recovery. Our thanks to NPS Historian Ray Hamel for sharing that story with us!If there’s a temple anywhere on any battlefield, it’s the Illinois Memorial near the Shirley House. It’s a highly symbolic structure: the 47 steps to get inside, for instance, represent the number of days of the siege. Lincoln, Grant, McClernand, and Logan (whose division attacked along this avenue) all had Illinois connections, and the state had more men participate in the siege than any other state. The gold eagle is NOT “Old Abe” of the 8th Wisconsin, BTW–wrong state.My wife is a collateral ancestor of Confederate general John Breckinridge, so I had to stop at his monument to pay my respects.I really love the concept of the Kentucky monument, which has a plaza-like feel between the lines, where Kentuckians of both sides squared off against each other during the battle. However, the central figures–Lincoln and Davis, both Kentucky born–have freakish proportions and look especially awkward and un-life-like. The sculptor originally wanted them shaking hands to replicate the figures in the state seal who are shaking hands (and the seal is inscribed at their feet), but Lincoln and Davis never actually met, so a handshake, no matter how much artistic license one might excuse, would’ve been too historically inaccurate.
I complain and complain about the lack of material on the Vicksburg campaign especially when you consider how important it really is. Dr. Makowski, and all those that helped you, absolutely blew me away with pictures and knowledge I did not come across before. I can’t tell you what an enjoyment this whole event was for me as a big fan of the western theater, great job to all of you, great job Vicksburg National Park, and great job to all those who helped out behind the scenes. Truly and educational and enjoyable experience without question
Part of these programs is getting the right people to present them. A loud huzzah for your choice Parker Hills, a very knowledgable and entertaining speaker. I urge those of you who have interest in this battlefield to join the members of the Chicago Civil War Round Table of Chicago on our tour to Vicksburg May 1-5, 2019 with our chief tour guide Ed Bearss. (cwrt.org)
I complain and complain about the lack of material on the Vicksburg campaign especially when you consider how important it really is. Dr. Makowski, and all those that helped you, absolutely blew me away with pictures and knowledge I did not come across before. I can’t tell you what an enjoyment this whole event was for me as a big fan of the western theater, great job to all of you, great job Vicksburg National Park, and great job to all those who helped out behind the scenes. Truly and educational and enjoyable experience without question
Part of these programs is getting the right people to present them. A loud huzzah for your choice Parker Hills, a very knowledgable and entertaining speaker. I urge those of you who have interest in this battlefield to join the members of the Chicago Civil War Round Table of Chicago on our tour to Vicksburg May 1-5, 2019 with our chief tour guide Ed Bearss. (cwrt.org)