Vicksburg Reenactment of Jefferson Davis' Departure for Inauguration

The event in Vicksburg commemorating the Sesquicentennial of the departure of Jefferson Davis for Montgomery and his inauguration as President of the Confederate States of America was a great one.  The event was held at the Old Courthouse Museum overlooking the river and the museum exhibits and artifacts were excellent.  The Museum was adorned with period flags including the Stars and Bars - see attached photograph. We spent well over an hour perusing the rooms including the Jefferson Davis room adjacent to the courtroom upstairs.  The numerous flags, journals, clothing, weapons and artillery and rifle shells were fascinating.   Just after 1pm, hundreds of reenactors and spectators gathered on the front lawn of the Museum and then at 2pm Jefferson Davis arrived to applause and cheers.  The Mayor said a few words followed by Davis who showed graciousness but determination in his message to those assembled.  Following the speech the detachment of Mississippi militia provided a salute with arms (see attached photograph) and then paraded in review.  Following the speech and review, a reception to meet and greet Davis was held in the court room complete with a delicious assortment of sandwiches, sweets and Jeff Davis Punch.  A rousing start to the historical week culminating with a Confederate rally and parade and reenactment of Jefferson Davis' inauguration in Montgomery.  The camaraderie shared with my learned traveling companions made the 10hr roundtrip from Prattville/Montgomery thoroughly enjoyable.  We thought about how easy we had it reflecting back on the week long journey Jefferson Davis made 150 years ago to travel to the same destination we made in a long day.