Director's Note
This year we commemorate the sesquicentennial of the Union army capturing Jackson (and the statehouse) during the Civil War. For the first two years of the conflict Jackson remained mostly untouched by the ravages of war, but in May 1863 that all changed. The Union army's capture of Jackson on May 14 would be the first of four times the city would be occupied. Each time the city suffered more and more damage. These occupations even forced state government to relocate to Columbus, Macon, Meridian, and Enterprise at various times.
Through it all, the statehouse survived, and on Saturday, May 4, the Old Capitol Museum will acknowledge this important event with "Capturing the Capitol." From 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Civil War re-enactors will camp on the green and perform drills and firing demonstrations. Living history performers will also be on hand to portray Governor John J. Pettus and Jackson Mayor Charles Henry Manship and his wife, Adaline. For a detailed agenda of the day's activities, please click here. This free event provides the perfect opportunity to learn about the Old Capitol and Jackson's role during the most important event in Mississippi's history.
