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

On Saturday and Sunday, Historic Jefferson College presents its annual Civil War reenactment—The Wirt Adam Raid into Natchez. Reenactors from Mississippi and Louisiana will participate in this event, which will include cavalry, artillery and infantry. The battle reenactment will take place at 2 p.m. each day and is free and open to the public.

The reenactment is based on Confederate General Wirt Adams and his men’s battle with Federal forces south of Natchez on Dec. 7, 1863.  On Dec. 3, 1863, Wirt Adams brought a force of 1,069 men to the outskirts of Washington and encamped. From there he sent scouts into Union-occupied Natchez to see if it could be taken. They reported that there were 2,700 troops, both white and colored and cannons guarded all the approaches and that this was too much for them to 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 attack the Rebels. Adams was informed of the forth-coming attack, and he moved first in an offense against 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.

At 7 p.m. Saturday there will be a social where light refreshments are to be served and the public is invited. This is a great chance to meet and talk with the reenactors about the Civil War and learn from these living historians.

In addition to the battles, there will be several other activities to participate in. Beginning at 9 a.m. Saturday, visitors may stroll through the period-correct campsite and talk to the reenactors. An infantry demonstration will take place at 10 a.m., followed by an artillery demonstration at 11 a.m. At noon, kids are invited to the Civil War Muster, an opportunity for them to participate in some hands-on learning about the life of a soldier in the Civil War, complete with games, drills and marching.  At 1 p.m., Jim Woodrick, a Civil War Historian, will give a lecture called “As fierce as Pharoah:” The Battle of Coleman’s Crossroads, July 4, 1864.  After the 2 p.m. battle, at 3 p.m., J.W. Binion will star in the living history portrayal of the President of the Confederacy, during Jefferson Davis Speaks. At 1 p.m. Sunday, there will be another living history program, featuring Larry McCluney in General Pemberton Speaks.

A group of female reenactors also participate each year who are available to provide information about the important role women played during the war.

Historic Jefferson College is administered by the Mississippi Department of Archives and History and is located four miles northeast of Natchez, off Highway 61 North, in the town of Washington.

For more information contact us at info@historicjeffersoncollege.com or call 601- 442-2901.

Admission is free to all events but visitors are advised to bring their own chairs and blankets for sitting.
Robin Person is the site director of Historic Jefferson College.