One hundred and fifty years to the day since the events of what has come to be known as the Vicksburg Massacre took place, a crowd gathered in front of the Shirley House at the Vicksburg National Military Park (VNMP) Saturday in remembrance of the solemn anniversary.

VNMP Interpretation Chief Brendan Wilson explained the massacre was the result of a group of armed white men demanding the resignation of Peter Crosby, Warren County’s first Black sheriff.

“One hundred and fifty years ago today, on December 7, 1874, African American citizens marched in support of Sheriff Crosby along the old Jackson Road, heading to the Warren County Courthouse,” Wilson said. “They were led by veterans of the United States Colored Troops. Groups of armed white men intercepted them as they gathered in the fields. (They retreated) here to the Shirley House. It was here where there was one bleak, last stand that resulted in the death of one white man and an unknown number of African Americans.”

Wilson said the ensuing violence claimed the lives of at least 23 Blacks across the county, with reports of bloodshed lasting through Christmas Day. 

Also taking part in Saturday’s remembrance ceremony was the Rev. Andy Andrew, leading the invocation; Jerry Jenkins, leading the Drum Call for Libation Ceremony; Judge June Hardwick, leading the Libation Ceremony; and music from United MB Church and St. Mark MB Church singers Arquilla Carter, Barbara Carter, Bertha Carter, Catherine Cater, Delores Watkins, Robbie Carter, Mary O’Neal-Gordon and Samuel Reed.

The ceremony concluded with a wreath-laying ceremony in honor of all victims of the massacre. Known victims of the violence include: Robert Banks Jr., Robert Banks Sr., Jacob Barlow, Tom Bidderman, Hueston Boyd, Peter Ceaser, Joe Cook, Albert Furman, Mingo Green, Handy Hilliard, Silas Hopes, Richard Johnson, Anthony Mack, Joe McGrant, Lewis McKinney, George Shepperd, Wash Tinsey, Emanuel Tooles, Vincent (no last name on record), P.C. Wall, James Wilson, Buck Worrell and George (no last name on record).