Balfour House facts for kids
Balfour House is a beautiful old mansion in Vicksburg, Mississippi. It was built in 1835, before the American Civil War. This historic red-brick house was the home of Emma Balfour, who kept a famous diary during the Siege of Vicksburg. The house has a classic look, mixing styles like Greek Revival and Federalist. Today, it is recognized as an important historical place on the National Register of Historic Places.
A Christmas Ball to Remember (1862)
Imagine a grand Christmas party happening on December 24, 1862, right inside Balfour House! Many officers from the Confederate Army and their families were there, dancing and celebrating. Among the guests were important leaders like Martin Luther Smith and Stephen D. Lee.
While the party was in full swing, something very important was happening across the Mississippi River in Louisiana. A telegraph message arrived with urgent news. It was from Major L.L. Daniel, about 36 miles north. The telegraph operator, Colonel Philip H. Fall, took the call.
The weather was terrible that night. It was cold and stormy, and the river was very dangerous. The only way to get across to Vicksburg was in a small boat. It was a risky trip, but Colonel Fall knew he had to deliver the message to General Smith, who he knew was at the Balfour's party.
Just after midnight, Colonel Fall arrived at Balfour House. He was exhausted and covered in mud. He rushed through the door, past the surprised dancers, and went straight to General Smith. He told him the urgent news from Lake Providence.
General Smith immediately announced loudly, "This ball is at an end! The enemy is coming down river. All non-combatants must leave the city!" Everyone was shocked. The men had only a few seconds to say goodbye to their loved ones before rushing off to their military posts. Just two days later, on December 26, the Battle of Chickasaw Bayou began. This was the first major battle of the Vicksburg Campaign.
Life During the Siege of Vicksburg
During the long and difficult Siege of Vicksburg, most people left their homes. They moved into caves dug into hillsides to protect themselves from constant attacks. But Emma Balfour bravely refused to leave her home. She even used Balfour House to help wounded Confederate soldiers.
The Union army surrounded Vicksburg, and the Union Navy controlled the Mississippi River. It felt like everyone was trapped. Emma wrote in her diary about how scary it was: "What is to become of all the living things in this place when the boats commend shelling—God only knows—shut up as in a trap—no ingress or egress—and thousands of women and children...". Her words show how difficult and frightening life was during the siege.
Union Headquarters After the Siege
After the Confederate forces surrendered Vicksburg, Balfour House became an important place for the Union army. It served as the headquarters for Union Major General James B. McPherson.
