—Vicksburg Heritage Walking Trail —

Seargent Smith Prentiss (1808-1850)

Built before 1837 this was once the office of Seargent Smith Prentiss, a famous lawyer and politician. Prentiss was well known and loved as a remarkable orator. Daniel Webster, one of the foremost orators of the day, stated that he had never beheld a speaker as powerful as Prentiss. While settling the founder of Vicksburg's will, he was involved in an ongoing legal dispute over valuable riverfront property. Prentiss had become one of the wealthiest men in the state by developing the property until the case was reversed by the U.S. Supreme Court. This and other complications led to his economic downfall. His premature death in 1850 at the age of 41 left the nation grieving the loss of a well-spoken and bright man.

"In Defense of a Bedbug"

Once, while traveling, Seargent Prentiss and his companions were awakened by the bites of bedbugs. All favored execution of the culprits except Prentiss who decided to defend the bedbugs. Guests at the inn were awakened to serve as judge and jury for this late night mock trial. Then Prentiss, the great orator, launched into a long speech to defend and save the bedbugs. In the end, because his speech was so eloquent, the bedbugs were acquitted of all charges!

Just Sayin...'

The streets in the original



city of Vicksburg were named for trees and noted Americans. Some of the street names in this area are: Walnut, Mulberry, Cherry, Locus, Elm, Pine, Holly, Washington, Jackson, Adams, Monroe and Clay.

Photo caption
July 1863
Admiral Porter's Union fleet below the Prentiss House during the Surrender of Vicksburg.

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Show me all markers in:  Vicksburg, MS  |  Warren County  |  39183  |  Mississippi  |  United States of America

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