Natchez,MS

[bdtex]

Got antsy after a bit to hit the park tour and decided to do a more thorough walkthrough of the museum afterwards. As far as I could tell,I was the only day visitor there at the time. Saw a few trailers/RVs over in the camping area. Signage just outside of the Visitor Center:

 

[7th Mississippi Infantry]

There are 4 flags there. Couldn't get a good pic of one because of the glare. I asked the Park Ranger about the flags and he had no clue what they were or where they came from. That was disappointing and kinda odd.

I'm sad to hear this.

I haven't been to the Grand Gulf museum in a while . . . probably 2008 or 2009.

However before the 2011 flood, I do recall an excellent guide that gave a thorough history of all flags on display. He did tell us that the Third National was post War.

Neat video about the museum at this link:

http://www.msnewsnow.com/story/29576595/walts-look-around

 

[bdtex]

There are 3 structures next to the Museum at the bottom of the hill. One is called the Carriage House. Neat stuff. 2 hearses that came from New Orleans,circa 1875-1890.

 

[bdtex]

I'm sad to hear this.

I haven't been to the Grand Gulf museum in a while . . . probably 2008 or 2009.

However before the 2011 flood, I do recall an excellent guide that gave a thorough history of all flags on display. He did tell us that the Third National was post War.

Neat video about the museum at this link:

http://www.msnewsnow.com/story/29576595/walts-look-around

I will definitely check the video out later. Thanks.

 

[bdtex]

Original Civil War Ambulance Wagon. I can't even imagine a badly wounded or ill soldier riding in that in all kinds of weather on all kinds of rough roads, feeling every bump/hole in the road.

 

[bdtex]

The next 2 items were in a cage. Had to poke my camera through the cage then extend the lens. A Confederate supply wagon found in 1963 and recovered from the Big Black River in 1965.

 

[bdtex]

Confederate caisson and limber recovered from the Big Black River near Edwards,MS in 1965-1966. I assume it was found at or near the same place as the supply wagon. It was a little harder to get pics of than the supply wagon.

 

[bdtex]

Original Grand Gulf Jail during the 1800's. A two-holer.

 

[7th Mississippi Infantry]

A two-holer.

I've actually sat in that original jail ( not due to any violations). However, I will say . . . it would not have been a happy time for anyone , back in the day.

 

[bdtex]

I've actually sat in that original jail ( not due to any violations). However, I will say . . . it would not have been a happy time for anyone , back in the day.

Yep. I imagine it got pretty hot and pretty cold in there and the facility was a bucket.

 

[7th Mississippi Infantry]

Yep. I imagine it got pretty hot and pretty cold in there and the facility was a bucket.

 

[alan polk]

Great pictures and I'm glad you were able to go - even if part was flooded.

There is confusion. I have been told that the pictures you took of the caisson and limber - though identified as such - in the barn, is not in fact the ones raised on the Big Black (Bridgeport) in the 1960s. Rather, the actual caisson and limber is located in a small rectangular building directly behind the Museum.

As you alluded to, many times the folks who work at the museum are locals with little knowledge about the war or Grand Gulf. I tried to clarify the limber and caisson issue with them last time I went there, but I ran into the same issue: they just did not know. I think there is only one guy there who is a sort of acting park ranger but I have not seen him there the last few times I've been. I guess he would know for sure.

 

[bdtex]

There is confusion. I have been told that the pictures you took of the caisson and limber - though identified as such - in the barn, is not in fact the ones raised on the Big Black (Bridgeport) in the 1960s. Rather, the actual caisson and limber is located in a small rectangular building directly behind the Museum.

Perhaps it is in the climate controlled building that has the 10 Pound Parrott in it next to the museum? I hadn't gotten around to posting those pictures yet. Hard to get good pictures because of reflection and glare from the glass.

 

[bdtex]

As you alluded to, many times the folks who work at the museum are locals with little knowledge about the war or Grand Gulf.

Before I left that day,I asked the gentleman in the Museum if he knew how to get to Grindstone Ford and he didn't know what it was.

 

[7th Mississippi Infantry]

Before I left that day,I asked the gentleman in the Museum if he knew how to get to Grindstone Ford and he didn't know what it was.

That's pathetic.

Grindstone Ford is easily found, and is well marked on all National Park Service Natchez Trace maps.

Shaking my head at the current Grand Gulf Staff.

 

[bdtex]

That's pathetic.

Grindstone Ford is easily found, and is well marked on all National Park Service Natchez Trace maps.

Shaking my head at the current Grand Gulf Staff.

I take partial responsibility for that. I've had the NPS/NTP maps for quite some time but didn't even think to look at them before the trip. I didn't think I would have the time to do any NTP stuff on this trip. More about that later.

 

[alan polk]

Perhaps it is in the climate controlled building that has the 10 Pound Parrott in it next to the museum? I hadn't gotten around to posting those pictures yet. Hard to get good pictures because of reflection and glare from the glass.

That is correct. I need to correct myself. there is just be the limber, not the caisson.
I can't remember if the Parrot you mentioned came from the river or not. But I was told the limber in that small building is.

It is a strange story. I'll try to contact someone who knows for sure. It is starting to bug me

 

[bdtex]

That is correct. I need to correct myself. there is just be the limber, not the caisson.

Yep. The pics aren't good but it is just a limber. I assumed it was a replica. Don't recall any signage on the building about the limber and I think I read all of them. Gonna look at the pics again before I post them in a bit.

 

[bdtex]

Many pictures have probably been posted of this but these are mine. Hard to imagine very much bootleg whiskey being transported in this on a single run.

 

[bdtex]

Last attraction near the museum. A Model 1861,10 Pound Parrott rifle and Limber in a climate controlled building. The door is locked. In hindsight,the building probably should be on higher ground. The ground around it was quite moist. The glass made good pictures difficult to take.