The Willis House, also called the Cowan House but best known as headquarters for Gen. John C. Pemberton during the siege of Vicksburg, also served as a kindergarten for St. Francis Xavier Academy when the school across the street was operated by the Sisters of Mercy, thus the cross at the top. The photo is from the Old Court House Museum collection.

Historic photos taken in and around Vicksburg are featured on Sundays in The Vicksburg Post. Many of the photos are from the J. Mack Moore Collection at the Old Court House Museum. Though not all photos were taken by Mr. Moore, they are part of the collection given to the museum by longtime Vicksburg Post managing editor Charles J. Faulk. Appropriate photos from the public will also be accepted and published. To submit a photo, contact Karen Gamble at 601-636-4545.