Staff Ride to Vicksburg // March 25, 2007

See, I have always wanted to go to Vicksburg. My list of "things I want to do before I die" includes a tour of all of America's Civil War Battlefields. I know that sounds nerdy and history-buff like (I'm really not, having been a history teacher aside, I have always enjoyed history classes and the like but don't think I qualify as a "buff" just yet...) but its something I have always wanted to do... AND be a part of a battle re-enacting...

So, needless to say, I was quite excited to be a part of this expedition - and expedition it was! Who knew that the Vicksburg campaign was THAT big! We drove all over the place! We started in Jackson (just because we got there first) went on to Vicksburg itself, and then down the coast (off the mighty Mississippi) to find where the invasion started.

Side note, I was the sole "yankee" amongst some profound southerners. I had to remind them that "yankee-bluecoat invaders" was somewhat of a derogatory term... there were times I felt so alone... just kidding - it was a lot of fun!

If your interested in knowing about the battle - click here

Here are some pictures from the trip:

Myself and CH Roberts standing at a marker of the Battle of Champion Hill where Grant defeated Pemberton thus bringing the battle to Vicksburg.

The ruins of the "Coker House" the last remaining structure left on the Battlefield. It was built before the war and still, somewhat, stands.

Monument to the Illinois Soldiers that fought at Vicksburg

The USS Cairo - a ironclad that was dredged out of the bottom of the river 90 years after she was sunk. Worth the trip! (Dad wish you were here!)

SFC Taylor under the pilot house

The Windsor Ruins
See the original house here

The four of us at the Windsor Ruins

This one is just for you Jesse - an old Presbyterian church. It was awesome... and open! I sat in the back and just sang...

This was near the site of the Battle of Grand Gulf - where the invasion started. It was t he largest anphibious invasion until Normandy
Soldiers from both sides worshiped in this building. It was an emotional experience for me to think of chaplains from both sides alongside their soldiers in the fight...

This was the site of a desperate retreat action called the Battle over Black River

The ruins you see in the water are the original bridge burned by the confederates
As I stood under it - I could feel the history. The soldiers trying to protect the supply route, the burning bridge, soldier falling off it as the battle grew more and more intense... it was a highlight of the trip...

The trip was filled with amazing sites, not the least of which was this amazing house... yes, the entire house of made of metal roofing sheets...

I was never quite sure what was the best part of the trip - the battlefields, the church, the Cairo, the crazy houses... or Mississippi in the Spring...

Can't wait to go back, spend more time, and take Sara.