Champion Hill Battlefield Tour

The Champion Heritage Foundation is planning an all-day event
to commemorate the 146th Anniversary of the Battle of Champion Hill. The event will begin at 8 a.m. on the grounds of the Champion Hill Missionary Baptist Church, the site of the original Champion House which was burned by the Yankees. Since the event features a one mile Preservation Stroll along the Old Jackson Road to the Hill of Death, you will need to wear comfortable shoes and bring insect repellent. Don't forget your camera.

*Transportation to the Hill of Death available if needed

SATURDAY MORNING EVENTS
Champion Hill Missiionary Baptist Church Grounds

8 a.m.
Parking, T-shirt sales, and Book Signings
by Timothy Smith, Grady Howell, Jr. and Rebecca Drake

9:00 a.m.
Dr. Timothy B. Smith, Featured Speaker

Dr. Timothy B. Smith, author of Champion Hill: Decisive Battle for Vicksburg, will speak on the battle that changed not only the course of the Vicksburg Campaign but also the entire war. Dr. Smith is a professor of history at the University of Tennessee at Martin. A native of Mississippi, his interest and specialty, besides the Civil War, is in the history of Civil War battlefield preservation.

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9:30 a.m.

Historic Marker Unveiling

Sid Champion V, event host, will unveil a new historic marker to be placed on the Hill of Death

10:00 a.m. - 12:00 a.m.
Preservation Stroll down the Old Jackson Road

Stroll to the Hill of Death where the new historic marker will be on display. The Old Jackson Road was one of the state’s oldest roadbeds prior to the Civil War. Originally known as the Jackson-Vicksburg road, the dirt route meandered through the countryside and often ran parallel to the Southern Railroad.

Today, only portions of the old roadbed, in its original appearance, exist. One of the most pristine and picturesque sections is the one-mile stretch which runs from the site of the original Champion house to the crossroads - the heart of the Champion Hill battlefield. For years, the old road has been privately owned but now, for the first time in over half-a-century, the historic road will be opened to the public for this specific event - a preservation stroll into history.

11:00 a.m.

Moment of Reflection at the Hill of Death

Parker Hills, Featured Speaker

AFTERNOON EVENTS AT MATILDA’S HOUSE

12:30 p.m.
Lunch on the Grounds
Featuring Matilda Champion’s Buttermilk Pie for dessert - $8 per plate

Ongoing Afternoon Events:
Book signings: Timothy Smith, Grady Howell, Rebecca Drake
Jerry McWilliams, art exhibit

2:00 p.m.

Jerry McWilliams, artist

Jerry McWilliams to unveil his new painting of Colonel Francis Cockrell leading a charge during the Battle of Champion Hill. The painting is based on the description of Cockrell taken from The History of the First and Second Missouri Confederate Brigades, 1861-1865, by R. S. Bevier: "Colonel Cockrell rode down the lines: in one hand he held the reins and a large magnolia flower, while with the other he waved his sword, and gave the order to charge."

www.southerncedarsgallery.com

3:00 p.m.
“Laying of the Memorial Flowers”

Sid Champion V and Rebecca Drake
to place flowers on the graves
of the Champion Family and
Margie Bearss’ Memorial Stone

James Clark, bagpiper

3:30 p.m.
Gun Raffle Drawing

$5.00

Replica
1858 Army Texas
.44 Caliber Revolver

Internet and Phone Orders Accepted - Cash or Checks only
Contact: RBdrake@comcast.net or Call: 601.956.4755

The Champion Heritage Trust would like to thank the Mississippi Department of
Archives and History for giving permission to access the Old Jackson Road for this historic event.

The Champion Heritage Foundation promotes Battlefield Preservation.
Funds raised by this event will be used for battlefield signage and public events on the Champion Hill Battlefield.

Contact: RBDrake@comcast.net or Call: 601.953.4755

Event Directions

Take the Bolton exit south off I-20. Continue south 1 mile to a 4-way stop. After the 4-way stop sign continue south and cross the RR tracks. Champion Hill Road is the first right after crossing the RR tracks. Drive approximately 4 miles west where you will see Champion Hill Baptist Church on the left with an American flag flying toward the entrance. Matilda's House (afternoon events) is a short distance from the church and will also have an American flag posted to show the way. Take the gate and follow the old road until you get to the grounds.