The roar of cannons, the crack of rifles, the clip clop of horses’ hooves, the clash of sabers and the sound of fiddles and banjos will soon be heard at Historic Jefferson College.

On Saturday and Sunday, Historic Jefferson College presents its annual Civil War re-enactment. Re-enactors from Mississippi and Louisiana will participate in this re-enactment, which includes cavalry, artillery and infantry. The first battle re-enactment is at 2 p.m. Saturday, and the second battle reenactment scheduled for 2 p.m. Sunday.

These re-enactments are based on Confederate General Wirt Adams and his men’s battle with Federal forces, south of Natchez, Dec. 7, 1863. Wirt Adams brought a force of 1,069 men to the outskirts of Washington and encamped On Dec. 3, 1863. From there he sent scouts into Union-occupied Natchez to see if it could be taken.

They reported that there were too many troops and cannons for them launch a successful attack on the city. Adams then made his way to Kingston, and then to Ellis Cliffs, where he was going to harass river traffic. By Dec. 6, the Federals knew of Adams’ presence and sent a cavalry force of 1,500 horsemen to hit the Rebels. Adams was informed of the forth-coming assault, and he attacked the Yankees on the morning of Dec. 7.

The Union troops were caught completely off guard, and were forced to make a hasty retreat back to their cannons and fortifications in Natchez.

The Civil War camps open for the public at 9 a.m. on Saturday and Sunday. Re-enactors will be on hand to answer any questions visitors might have about the life of a soldier during the Civil War. A group of lady re-enactors also participates each year to demonstrate the important role women played during the war.

A music concert, performed by a band of Civil War re-enactors, begins at approximately 3 p.m. on Saturday, following the battle reenactment. At 7 p.m. that evening the band will also play for the dance. This year’s dance is opened to the public and all who are interested in having fun should come out and participate! Period clothing is not required to take part in the dance. On Sunday morning, starting at 10 a.m., the band performs gospel music from the period.

The Christian faith for most Americans who lived at the time of the Civil War was an integral part of their lives, and this is reflected in the gospel hymns of the time. This concert promises to be a moving experience and give us an insight today into religious feelings of the people during the 1860s.

Visitors to the re-enactment should note that the museum gift shop has a variety of Civil War books and toys for sale to the public. There are discounts sale on many of these books, as well as other items, during the weekend of the re-enactment. These items are great gifts for the history lovers in your family.

Historic Jefferson College is owned and operated by the Mississippi Department of Archives and History, and is located four miles northeast of Natchez, off U.S. 61 North. For more information contact us at hjc@mdah.state.ms.us or call 601- 442-2901.

Admission is free to all events but visitors are advised to bring their own chairs and blankets for sitting.

This event is sponsored by the Mississippi Department of Archives and History.

This event is also aided by a generous donation from Loyal Order of Moose, Natchez Lodge No. 1662.

H. Clark Burkett is a historian at Historic Jefferson College.