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

Sisters of Mercy

— Vicksburg Heritage Walking Trail —

Photographed By Mark Hilton, October 26, 2017

1. Sisters of Mercy Marker

Inscription.
Love and Compassion
In 1878 the Sisters of Mercy took over the local hospital during a yellow fever epidemic. The hospital was named "Mercy Hospital" and the Catholic nuns served for over 100 years.

Cedar Hill Cemetery
Many of the "Sisters" are buried together at Cedar Hill which is one of the oldest and largest cemeteries in the country. The Soldiers Rest section is the final resting place for over 5,000 Confederate soldiers who served in the Civil War.

The Sisters of Mercy Convent and School encompassed this whole city block. Today, as the Southern Cultural Heritage Center, it stands as a legacy and testament to their dedication of helping others.

[Photo caption}
The school and convent were originally in the Cobb House (middle) built in 1830. The convent and chapel (far right) were added in 1868, the auditorium (far left) was added in 1885, and the other structures (behind), were added through the mid-1900s.

Erected 2017 by National Park Service's Lower Mississippi Delta Initiative and the City of Vicksburg. (Marker Number 20.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Charity & Public Work

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• Churches & Religion • Women. In addition, it is included in the Mississippi, Vicksburg Heritage Walking Trail series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1878.

Location. 32° 20.912′ N, 90° 52.683′ W. Marker is in Vicksburg, Mississippi, in Warren County. Marker is on Crawford Street east of Cherry Street, on the right when traveling east. Marker located across the street from the former Sisters of Mercy Convent and School building. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1018 Crawford Street, Vicksburg MS 39180, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Debate and Decision (here, next to this marker); Pemberton Headquarters (a few steps from this marker); John D. Cobb House (within shouting distance of this marker); Balfour House (within shouting distance of this marker); The Anti-Dueling Society (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Cherry Street (about 300 feet away); City of Steeples (about 400 feet away); 901, 905, 913 Crawford Street (about 500 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Vicksburg.

Regarding Sisters of Mercy. The building is now the Southern Cultural Heritage Foundation. A Mississippi

Former Sisters of Mercy Chapel and Convent. image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Mark Hilton, October 26, 2017

2. Former Sisters of Mercy Chapel and Convent.

Landmark and on the National Register of Historic Places, the Southern Cultural Heritage Center consists of five historic buildings ranging from 1830-1955. It formerly served as the St. Francis Xavier Convent and Academy and is currently the place to be for cultural programming including art workshops, ballroom dances lessons, concerts, lectures, cooking workshops, exhibits, free after school art programs, photography workshops

Related marker. Click here for another marker that is related to this marker.

Credits. This page was last revised on October 5, 2020. It was originally submitted on November 2, 2017, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama. This page has been viewed 535 times since then and 38 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on November 2, 2017, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama.