Nestled in a shallow valley near the confluence of Bayou Pierre and Little Bayou Pierre, in an area that had seen settlement since 1729, the town "too beautiful to burn" was formally established on March 12, 1803, making it the third oldest incorporated town in the state.   Serving as the county seat of Claiborne County, Mississippi, since its incorporation, Port Gibson briefly became the focus of national attention in 1863 when Gen. U.S. Grant made the town the first objective in his soon to be famous Vicksburg Campaign.  Reputed to have declared the town as "too beautiful to burn", Grant moved on to cement his place in American history, leaving Port Gibson intact.  In the 1960's, Port Gibson again became a focus of national attention when it became the locale of the longest black boycott during the Civil Rights Era.  Despite the vicissitudes of time, war, neglect, and accident, Port Gibson retains many of the homes, commercial structures, and houses of worship that have seen the march of history parade through this city.

Property of the Month

 Irwin Russell  Birthplace

      Port Gibson has many interesting historic homes, but in this Holiday season, it seemed appropriate to single out one in particular.  The Irwin Russell birthplace at 411 Jackson Street was most likely built in the 1830’s and is of the Federal style, according to the “Architecture of Claiborne County, Mississippi” by Ed Polk Douglas. 

     The modest cottage was originally built on a lot adjoining the St. James Episcopal Church, and was moved
to its present location in the late 19th century.  It originally had six colonettes across the front façade, which were very popular during the Greek Revival period.  Although it has undergone much alteration over the years, many of the original architectural elements still exist, such as the transom lights over the front door. 

  
It is currently the location of Leona’s Beauty Shop, which is owned and operated by Linda Sue Stuart, and was formerly owned by her mother, Leona Case.

     Irwin Russell was one of the most famous of Claiborne County’s literary figures.  He was born June 3, 1853, the son of a physician Dr. William McNab Russell.  His mother was a
teacher and artist.  Both parents taught at the Port Gibson Female College, and they married there, later moving into the house now on Jackson Street.

      Russell studied law under Judge Baldwin in New York, and was admitted to the bar.  However, he never pursued that career path and never tried a case.  His restless spirit led him to travel to many locations.  In 1879, he began working as a reporter on the New Orleans Picayune, but his chronic fragile health led ultimately to a total breakdown. 

     Although Russell himself did not consider his works to have any critical acclaim, it did influence others.  Joel Chandler, the creator of “Uncle Remus” “Brer’ Rabbit” and other beloved characters made famous in Walt Disney’s “Song of the South”, wrote of his indebtedness to Russell.  Perhaps no other Southern author of his era was able to truly recognize and appreciate the Negro character, and he was able to relate their lives and thoughts with humor and dignity.  His ability to recreate the Negro dialect proved itself to large degree in his best-known poem, “Christmas Night in the Quarters”.  This work was his particular favorite, and was first published in Scribner’s magazine in 1878.  It was written at Greenwood, owned by the Jeffries family, which was located south of Hermanville in Claiborne County.  Russell was a frequent visitor to the home, and wrote the poem during a weekend party there.

     Early in his career, Russell became quite interested in the stage, and organized the Port Gibson Thespian Society.  He arranged the plays that were performed, and also took on roles himself.

    Unfortunately, his poor health overcame him, and he died in December of 1880 at the very young age of 26.  After his death, Port Gibson paid tribute to him in several ways.  The old highway bridge across Bayou Pierre was named after him.  A memorial committee of townspeople was established, and with monies raised by them and the town council, the Port Gibson Female College was purchased and renamed the Irwin Russell Memorial Building.  This is the site of our current City Hall. 

             
              Temple Gemiluth Chassed, 1892                                                                Oak Square, 1845-1906

                    
                       Englesing Home, 1817-1851                                                          St. Peter's AME Church, 1885

   
                            Gage House, 1830                                                     Disharoon Home (Gibson's Landing), 1830

All photographs by S.B. Magruder, all rights reserved