Pemberton's Headquarters facts for kids
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Pemberton's Headquarters
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Pemberton's Headquarters in 2008
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 Location in Mississippi
Location in the United States
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| Location | 1018 or 1020 Crawford Street, Vicksburg, Mississippi |
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| Built | 1836 |
| Architectural style | Greek Revival, Federal |
| NRHP reference No. | 70000319 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | July 23, 1970 |
| Designated NHL | December 8, 1976 |
Pemberton's Headquarters, also known as the Willis-Cowan House, is an important historic house in Vicksburg, Mississippi. It was built in 1836. During the American Civil War, it served as the main office for Confederate General John C. Pemberton. He used it for most of the 47-day Siege of Vicksburg.
This house is also where General Pemberton officially gave up the city. He surrendered Vicksburg to U.S. Major General Ulysses S. Grant on July 4, 1863. Today, the National Park Service owns the house. You can visit it as part of the Vicksburg National Military Park. It was named a National Historic Landmark in 1976 because of its historical importance.
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About Pemberton's Headquarters
Pemberton's Headquarters is located in Vicksburg, Mississippi. It is a two-story building made of brick. The house sits on a hill, a bit higher than the street. Stairs lead up to the front of the property.
The house has an L-shape. The front part is made of brick and was built in stages. The first part was built in 1836. It had a main hall and two rooms on the sides. A porch was also part of the original design. More brick sections were added around 1850. Later additions, made of wood, were built around the year 1900.
Early History of the House
A man named William Bobb likely built the house. In 1836, he sold it to John Willis. Willis was a plantation owner in the area. The house was still owned by the Willis family when the American Civil War began.
When the war reached Vicksburg, the Willis house was one of the largest in the city. Because of its size, Confederate General John C. Pemberton chose it. He made it his main office for defending the city. Here, General Pemberton and his officers planned their military actions. It was also the place where Pemberton agreed to surrender on July 3, 1863.
Later Owners and Restoration
The Willis family sold the house in 1886. In 1890, Mary Cowan bought it. She was the wife of a Confederate veteran. Mary Cowan passed away in 1914. Her family then sold the house to the Sisters of Mercy. These sisters ran a convent and school across the street.
The house was used by the Sisters of Mercy until 1973. They called it "St. Anthony's Hall." After that, it was sold to private owners. The house needed a lot of repairs and continued to fall apart. In the 1990s, it was fixed up enough to become a bed and breakfast. However, that business did not last.
The house remained empty until 2003. That year, the National Park Service bought it. They added it to the Vicksburg National Military Park. Most of the park is outside the city. But this house helps visitors understand what life was like for Confederate leaders and the city during the siege.
See also
- List of National Historic Landmarks in Mississippi
- National Register of Historic Places listings in Warren County, Mississippi
Images for kids
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Front view of Pemberton's Headquarters
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Sign outside Pemberton's Headquarters
