Vicksburg and the War

Gordon A. Cotton

677 Campbell Swamp Rd
Vicksburg, MS 39180-8503

Work Phone: (601) 636-2466

Email: societyhistorica@bellsouth.net

Summary:
Though Vicksburg residents had opposed seccession, when war came in 1861 they gave their unfaltering support to the Confederacy, supplying thousands of rank and file soldiers and also the president of the new nation. Yet few cities suffered as did Vicksburg, from the bombardment in 1862 and through 47 days of siege in 1863. Perhaps the worst was yet to come, however, for the city then was placed under military occupation for several years. The story of Vicksburg is not just the maneuvering of two gallant armies but it is the story of the tribulations and tragedies of those who lived there. Emphasis is placed on the role of Emma Balfour and her Civil War diaries.

Speakers Expertise:
A former history teacher, Gordon Cotton is a journalist/historian who recently retired from his position as director/curator of the Old Court House Museum in Vicksburg, a post he had held since 1976. A native of Warren County, he was born in and still lives in the family home south of Vicksburg. He is a seventh-generation Mississippian. He holds BA and MA degrees from Mississippi College. Cotton writes a Sunday history column for the Vicksburg Post and has also authored numerous books on local history, his latest being an illustrated account of Vicksburg during the Civil War, a volume that covers not just the famous siege of the city but also the early days of secession and then of the military occupation of the city. He has appeared on the History Channel, Arts and Entertainment, C-Span, Public TV and area programs. In addition to his newspaper columns, he has also given numerous talks before civic groups and is a former Elderhostel instructor for Mississippi College.