The early spring of 1863 was a difficult one for Kate Stone and her family. Yankees had infested the area near Milliken’s Bend for months, but their numbers were growing in anticipation of yet another attempt to take Vicksburg. As … Continue reading →
On April 14, 1863, Adjutant General Lorenzo Thomas announced his appointments for officers for the 9th Louisiana Infantry, African Descent. Despite its name, this was a Union regiment. Officered by whites, the enlisted men would be black, and recruited a … Continue reading →
In early April 1863, Adjutant General of the United States, Lorenzo Thomas, stopped at many of the posts along the Mississippi River and addressed the troops. His mission, authorized by the secretary of war as well as President Lincoln, was … Continue reading →
Yesterday I spoke to the Bellevue (Tenn.) History and Genealogy Group about Milliken’s Bend. They were a pleasant and welcoming audience, and asked some good questions. Two of which I will answer here. 1) How do the losses by USCT … Continue reading →
As we close out Black History Month, and begin Women’s History Month, this seems like a fitting time to discuss how black women in the region of Milliken’s Bend were affected by the war. One of the finest works I … Continue reading →