Vicksburg in Warren County, Mississippi — The American South (East South Central)

"The Widow Blakely"

Photographed By Tom Bosse, July 2, 2016

1. "The Widow Blakely" Marker

Inscription. Because it was the lone Blakely rifled cannon in all the Vicksburg defenses, the Confederate soldiers called this 7.44-inch gun, "The Widow Blakely." During the siege it was mounted about 1 mile north of its present position. On May 22, 1863, the "Widow" was manned by a detachment of Company H, 1st Louisiana Heavy Artillery, Lt. A.L. Slack, commanding the detail.

In that day's action against Union gunboats, one of the "Widow Blakely's" own shells exploded in its muzzle. Later the Confederates cut away the damaged end and used the gun as a mortar.

After the war, "The Widow Blakely" spent 96 years on display at the U.S. Military Academy's Trophy Point.

Erected by U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: War, US Civil. A significant historical date for this entry is May 22, 1863.

Location. 32° 19.172′ N, 90° 53.823′ W. Marker is in Vicksburg, Mississippi, in Warren County. Marker is at the intersection of Louisiana Circle and Washington Street (Business U.S. 61), on the left when traveling south on Louisiana Circle. This marker is located in the Louisiana Circle portion of the Vicksburg National Military Park. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Vicksburg MS 39180, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking

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distance of this marker. C.S. Marks' Company, 22D Louisiana; (here, next to this marker); Louisiana Eighth Battalion (here, next to this marker); Louisiana 22nd Infantry (a few steps from this marker); Running the Gauntlet (within shouting distance of this marker); William H. Jackson (within shouting distance of this marker); John W. Whitfield (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); C.S. Company I, (approx. ¼ mile away); C.S. Company C, (approx. ¼ mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Vicksburg.

Also see . . . Vicksburg National Military Park. National Park Service (Submitted on August 23, 2016.)

Photographed By Mark Hilton, June 27, 2017

2. "The Widow Blakely" Marker

View down the Mississippi River towards the Old Vicksburg Bridge & the I-20 bridge. image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Mark Hilton, June 27, 2017

3. View down the Mississippi River towards the Old Vicksburg Bridge & the I-20 bridge.

Credits. This page was last revised on July 18, 2017. It was originally submitted on August 22, 2016, by Tom Bosse of Jefferson City, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 764 times since then and 49 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on August 22, 2016, by Tom Bosse of Jefferson City, Tennessee. 2, 3. submitted on July 13, 2017, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.