Old Warren County Courthouse

Old Courthouse, Warren County

The Old Courthouse in 1940
Location 1008 Cherry Street, Vicksburg, Mississippi
Coordinates 32°21′7.38″N 90°52′43.04″W / 32.3520500°N 90.8786222°W / 32.3520500; -90.8786222Coordinates: 32°21′7.38″N 90°52′43.04″W / 32.3520500°N 90.8786222°W / 32.3520500; -90.8786222
Built 1861
Architect William Weldon
Architectural style Greek Revival
NRHP Reference # 68000029
USMS # 149-VKS-0042-NHL-ML
Significant dates
Added to NRHP May 23, 1968[1]
Designated NHL May 23, 1968[2]
Designated USMS March 5, 1986[3]

The Old Courthouse, Warren County, also known as Warren County Courthouse, sits prominently on a hill in Vicksburg, Mississippi, and was a symbol of Confederate resistance during the Siege of Vicksburg.[4] It was declared a National Historic Landmark in 1968[2][4] and a Mississippi Landmark in 1986.[3] The landmarked area is the entire Courthouse Square, which includes the courthouse and four cistern buildings.[4]

Sitting on one of the highest bluffs in Vicksburg, the construction began in the summer of 1858, on what was to be the new court house. The property for the new building was given to the city by its founder, Newitt Vick. The Weldon Brothers from Rodney, Mississippi were hired to build the court house, and the building was completed in 1860 costing $100,000.

During the Civil War, the building was one the main targets in Vicksburg, as hard as the Union tried the building only suffered one major hit. After a 47-day siege, on July 4, 1863 the Stars and Bars were lowered and the Stars and Stripes were raised ending the Civil War. Many historical figures have visit the court house over its years, including Jefferson Davis, Booker T. Washington, William McKinley, and Teddy Roosevelt.

Famous trials were conducted in the buildings second floor courtroom. One being of, freed slave Holt Collier. In 1867, Mr. Collier was arrested and charged with the murder a white officer from North Mississippi. During his trial, he was acquitted of all charges for defending his former owners name.

The original iron doors and shutters are still on the building today.

On June 3, 1948 the museum opened its doors, thanks to Eva Whitaker Davis. Mrs. Davis is the founder of the Vicksburg and Warren County Historical Society.

References

  1. ↑ National Park Service (2007-01-23). "National Register Information System". National Register of Historic Places. National Park Service.
  2. 1 2 "Warren County Courthouse". National Historic Landmark summary listing. National Park Service. Retrieved 2007-10-13.
  3. 1 2 "Mississippi Landmarks" (PDF). Mississippi Department of Archives and History. May 2008. Retrieved May 14, 2009.
  4. 1 2 3 Patricia Heintzelman (May 15, 1975), National Register of Historic Places Inventory-Nomination: Old Court House, Warren County (pdf), National Park Service and Accompanying 4 photos, exterior and interior, from 1966, c.1863, and undated. (1.19 MB)

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