Balfour House (1835). Corner of Cherry and Crawford. Home of famous Vicksburg siege diarist Emma Balfour. Was the setting for one of the most dramatic moments in Vicksburg history when the Balfours hosted a Christmas Eve ball in 1862 for Confederate officers and their ladies. A little past midnight a courier interrupted the festivities to deliver a message to Gen. M. L. Smith.
Two conflicting stories; one a fifty-three page handwritten family history, the other a researched account of documented events, address the property from as early as 1840. Both conclude that the majestic structure, built by Joseph Bazsinsky as a town house, remained a home for his large Jewish family through four generations until early in the twenty-first century.
A creative adventure into the history of the Mississippi River and the fabulous paddle wheel steamboats that once traveled its mighty waters. Enjoy all the sights and musical sounds within the park and imagine the Mississippi River life that once flourished along these waterways. Explore playful areas, garden area walks, the splash fountain, children's art, murals and unique exhibits. Handicapped accessible.
According to land records, George Washington Ball, a well-to-do, distant cousin of our first president, built this Federal style house about 1822, making it one of the largest homes in "Old Town" Vicksburg at the time. In fact, Ball's neighbors included the early founders of Vicksburg.
Vicksburg: A Unique American Community
On April 12, 2002, the City of Vicksburg unveiled its first riverfront mural by renowned artist Robert Dafford. The electricity of this project spread across the South and up and down the Mississippi River.
The Warren County-Vicksburg Public Library was founded in 1916 with the help of funds from library philanthropist Andrew Carnegie. It was housed in a building at the corner of Monroe and South Streets. For many years, a separate branch housed a library for the African-American citizens of the community. The two were combined in the 1970's and in 1979 moved into the spacious structure at 700 Veto Street, the present library site.
Physical Address
1010 Levee St, Third Floor, Suite D
Vicksburg, Mississippi 39183
Mailing Address:
P. O. Box 150
Vicksburg, Mississippi 39183
Office Phone: 601-634-4527
Cell Phone: 601-831-8043
Fax: 601-801-3641