Near Edwards in Hinds County, Mississippi — The American South (East South Central)
Champion House Site
Photographed by Mark Hilton, May 14, 2019
1. New version of the Champion House Site Marker.
In 1853, the land now known as Champion Hill was given to Sid and Matilda Champion as a wedding present from her father, Eli Montgomery. They erected a two-story white-frame house along the Jackson Road that overlooked the railroad. In 1862, Sid joined the 28th Mississippi Cavalry, leaving Matilda in charge of the plantation. On May 16, 1863, as the Battle of Champion Hill erupted, Grant claimed the Champion House as headquarters while Matilda took the children down to the cellar where they remained until the firing ceased. The house was used as a Union hospital then burned after the fall of Vicksburg. In 1865, Sid and Matilda returned and built a modest house down by the railroad, on a site known as Midway Station.
Erected 2015 by the Champion Heritage Foundation.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: War, US Civil. A significant historical month for this entry is May 1846.
Location. 32° 20.479′ N, 90° 31.307′ W. Marker is near Edwards, Mississippi, in Hinds County. It can be reached from Champion Hill Road 0.2 miles west of South Farr Road. Marker is located on the grounds to the left of the Champion Hill Baptist Church. Driveway entrance gate may be locked at times. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Edwards MS 39066, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in Natchez Trace Corridor and in Greater Jackson. It is also in the American South and specifically in the Deep South. Globally, it is in North America, a Gulf of Mexico state, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture, one of the Confederate States of America, and the Antebellum South.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 4 miles
this page online
Other markers no longer nearby. The Death of General Tilghman (was approx. 3.4 miles away but has been confirmed missing); Chicago Mercantile Battery Artillery in the Yard (was approx. 3½ miles away but has been confirmed missing); A Refugee Family (was approx. 3½ miles away but has been confirmed missing); Architecture and Renovations (was approx. 3½ miles away but has been confirmed missing).
Also see . . .
1. Matilda Champion "A Sorrow's Crown of Sorrow". Battle of Champion Hill website entry (Submitted on August 6, 2015, by Brandon Fletcher of Chattanooga, Tennessee.)
2. The Battle of Champion Hill. Battlefield website entry (Submitted on August 6, 2015, by Brandon Fletcher of Chattanooga, Tennessee.)
Additional commentary.
Photographed by Mark Hilton, May 14, 2019
2. Champion Hill Baptist Church and marker (on extreme left).
In 2015 this marker replaced a 2007 similar marker, but with the below different text.
In 1853, the land now known as Champion Hill was given to Sid and Matilda Champion as a wedding present from her father, Eli Montgomery. They erected a two-story white frame house on the Old Jackson Road overlooking the railroad near Midway Station. Sid joined the 28th Regiment Mississippi Cavalry in Vicksburg, 1862, leaving Matilda in charge of the plantation. Her worst fears came true May 15, 1863, when she heard that Grant's army was marching westward toward Vicksburg. She gathered her four young children and fled to her parents' home in Madison County. On May 16, the Battle of Champion Hill was fought, primarily on the Champions' property. The house served as a Union hospital and was later torched by the Yankees. After Vicksburg, Sid fought in the Atlanta and Tennessee campaigns. In 1865, Sid and Matilda returned to Champion Hill and built a modest house at Midway Station. Sid died three years later at age 45. Matilda died in 1907 at the age of 80. Both are buried in the family cemetery.
— Submitted March 19, 2018, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama.
Photographed by Mark Hilton, May 14, 2019
3. Champion House Site Marker
Photographed by Brandon Fletcher, November 28, 2008
4. Sid & Matilda Champion
Photographed by Brandon Fletcher, November 28, 2008
5. Champion Hill Baptist Church Marker
Photographed by Brandon Fletcher, November 28, 2008
6. Champion House Site Witness Tree
This tree is said to have been living during the time of the Battle of Champion Hill, located behind the church.
Photographed by Brandon Fletcher, November 28, 2008
7. Older Champion House Site Marker from 2007.
Credits. This page was last revised on April 11, 2021. It was originally submitted on August 6, 2015, by Brandon Fletcher of Chattanooga, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 1,569 times since then and 90 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on May 17, 2019, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama. 4, 5, 6, 7. submitted on August 6, 2015, by Brandon Fletcher of Chattanooga, Tennessee. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.
