Description
Carte view of a very iconic scene which has become synonymous with the Siege of Vicksburg. This view shows the Shirley House perched atop the hills of Vicksburg. Owned by James and Adeline Shirley who purchased the home in 1851, it became a focal point during the battle. Confederates attempted to burn it down so the Union could not use it, but the soldier who was sent to do the task was shot dead by Union troops that arrived at the same time. As the Federals moved in, the Shirley House (called the white house by the soldiers) became the headquarters of the 45th Illinois Infantry, and the soldiers dug in and created bombproof shelters to protect themselves from Confederate artillery fire. The home was struck multiple times by artillery fire but remained standing. It was was later used by the army as a smallpox hospital before being abandoned in 1864. The Shirley family did not return to the home, which had been damaged and was uninhabitable. It fell into ruin, but after the establishment of Vicksburg National Military Park in 1899, the Federal Government became interested in buying the house and associated land for the military park. The Shirley family, who still owned the property, sold it to the government in 1900. It remains the only war date structure still standing on the Vicksburg Battlefield. Outstanding carte view!
