VICKSBURG, Miss. ( WJTV ) – In December, the Vicksburg National Military Park (VNMP) and the Friends of Vicksburg National Military Park and Campaign will host events to remember that 150th anniversary of the Vicksburg Massacre.

According to officials with the VNMP, the events of the Vicksburg Massacre of 1874 are significant to the history of Vicksburg and national story of the Reconstruction Era.

Peter Crosby was elected as first African American sheriff of Warren County in 1873. Throughout 1874, attempts were made to intimidate him and other African Americans in the area. On December 2, 1874, armed white men with the Taxpayers' League demanded his resignation.

Officials said Crosby issued requests for aid to restore him to office. On December 7, 1874, African American citizens marched to Vicksburg in support of Crosby, but they were intercepted by groups of armed white men. In the ensuing violence of that day and the weeks after, approximately 23 African Americans were killed throughout Warren County. Reports of violence lasted until around Christmas Day. Federal troops were sent to Vicksburg and Sheriff Crosby was reinstated.

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Racial troubles continued in Vicksburg through 1875 and beyond. A congressional hearing was held on the massacre. Crosby was shot in the face in June 1875 and further violence occurred targeting African Americans on July 5, 1875.

The location of homes on Old Jackson Road, which are now park land, including the Shirley House, were sites of racial violence during the Massacre. The Shirley House will serve as the location for the Remembrance Ceremony and Wreath Laying on December 7.

No entrance fee for those attending the December 7 event in the park.

Friday December 6, 2024 at 5:30 p.m. at Bethel AME Church, 805 Monroe St, Vicksburg MS 39183

Remembrance Ceremony and Wreath Laying

Saturday December 7, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. at the Shirley House, Tour Stop 2, Vicksburg National Military Park

A Service of Sacred Remembrance

Sunday December 8 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Mary's Episcopal Church, 900 1st North St., Vicksburg MS

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