Since Jefferson played a key role in the Trans-Mississippi Department’s military/industrial complex, Jefferson is a natural location for hosting Civil War Symposiums that focus on the Trans-Mississippi Department. The symposium will feature four speakers who are noted authors, speakers, professors, and historians on various aspects of the Trans-Mississippi Civil War history.
Scott Dearman, park manager of Mansfield State Historic Site, will present “From Mansfield to the Little Bighorn: The Remarkable Military Career of James S. Brisbin”. Rising from private to major general during the Civil War, James Brisbin fought in all three theaters of the war and participated in some 30 battles large and small, from First Manassas and campaigns with the Army of the Potomac, to service in the Trans-Mississippi, Tennessee, and Kentucky. However, Brisbin’s most iconic service comes in the American West and his role in the Terry-Gibbon Expedition of 1876, culminating in the battle of Little Bighorn.
Donald S. Frazier, Ph.D., is the director of the Texas Center at Schreiner University in Kerrville. He will present “Tempest Over Texas: The American Civil War, Global Politics, and Mexico”.
After the fall of Port Hudson and Vicksburg, the Confederates faced confusion and collapse in the Trans-Mississippi. Cut-off from the rest of the would-be nation, the states of Louisiana and Texas faced new strategic realities. At the same time, Federal forces gathered from Memphis to New Orleans were in search of a new mission. International intrigues, especially the presence of French forces in Mexico and on the Gulf of Mexico, added to the confusion and perplexed war-planners North and South. One thing remained, however. President Abraham Lincoln demanded that The Stars and Stripes needed to fly once again in Texas, and as soon as possible. This is the tale of the fall and winter campaigns of 1863 in Texas and Louisiana, and their role in the larger story of the American Civil War and the French adventure in Mexico.
John Goddard, M.D., a Richmond, Virginia native with an abiding interest in the Battle of Eltham’s Landing since exploring the relatively unchanged battlefield in the 1990’s, will present “The Search for Lt. Col. H.H. Black” describing the impact of Harvey Black on Jefferson, Texas upon his move there in 1852 through his leadership role in the 1st Texas Infantry regiment, his mortal wounding at the Battle of Eltham’s Landing in 1862, and the search for his lost grave in Virginia.
Bill J Gurley, Ph.D. is a professor and principal scientist for the National Center for Natural Products Research at the University of Mississippi. A pharmaceutical scientist by training, Civil War history is his avocation, especially the war west of the Mississippi River. Gurley will present “Confederate Grizzlies: Maj. Gen. Mosby M. Parsons and his Missouri Division,” with an emphasis on this unit’s role in the Red River Campaign, particularly at the battles of Pleasant Hill and Jenkins’ Ferry. Parsons and his Missourians have been largely overlooked by historians, but their contribution to the Confederate war effort in the Trans-Mississippi was a long and valued one. Ironically, Parsons self-exiled to Mexico immediately after the war where he and three compatriots were murdered by Mexican cavalry. Parsons’ murder and the international controversy it engendered will also be discussed.
Vendors and exhibitors will be present at the symposium and there will be ample time in the schedule for viewing. The program will include our traditional raffle of Civil War books and ephemera and a grand prize, plus a silent auction. The raffle grand prize is a framed print of Don Troiani’s Lone Star, a rare print of the Texas Brigade in Miller’s cornfield at Sharpsburg.
Advance registration for the symposium is $75.00 per adult and $35.00 per student, which includes a catered luncheon at the Jefferson Convention & Visitors Center. (Registration at the door on August 6 will be $80.00) Cost of the luncheon is included in the registration fee.
On Friday evening, there will be a Speakers’ Reception which will cost $25.00 per person to attend. The reception will provide an opportunity to meet and visit with the speakers and will include refreshments, light hors d’ oeuvres and musical entertainment.
COVID 19 protocols for events as promulgated by State and local authorities having jurisdiction will be followed.
For information on registration, contact the Museum at 903-665-2775. www.jeffersonmuseum.com For information on Jefferson and lodging, go to www.VisitJeffersonTexas.com and www.jefferson-texas.com.
All proceeds of the symposium will go to the Jefferson Historical Society and Museum, a not-for profit 501 (c) 3 entity, for operation and maintenance of the Museum.