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Battleship MISSISSIPPI at Natchez--1909


siege1863
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Although not a dramatic photo, this one is quite significant. In May 1909, the USS MISSISSIPPI sailed up the Mississippi River to the City of Natchez, Mississippi. There was much local and national media attention given to this historic first. However, there were few cameras there to record the affair. In fact, the only photos I know of are part of a collection taken by a professional photographer who visited the ship with his family. A number of photographs of the ship, marketed as postcards and with references to Natchez, can be found, but the photos themselves are of an earlier date. These postcards were made up ahead of time to sell as souvenirs.

 

As best as can be determined, the photo of the MISSISSIPPI was taken by a tourist aboard the steamboat "Belle of the Bends." This excursion boat was hired to steam from Vicksburg, further up river, to Natchez and dock along side. Two days later, the "Belle" returned to Vicksburg. There is the name "Toohey" on the back of the postcard and he is credited with taking the photo. In 1910, there was indeed a James Toohey residing in Vicksburg. It is quite possible he and his family came to see the ship. The second postcard posted here (already in my collection) shows the "Belle" as she passes the MISSISSIPPI anchored off Natchez.

 

post-211-1190076236.jpg

 

post-211-1190076299.jpg

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Very interesting thread....knowing how obsessed I get with learning all I can about a particular event...your research into this ship and its crew is fantastic. Thanks for sharing these images and the story.....

 

 

 

 

 

Although not a dramatic photo, this one is quite significant. In May 1909, the USS MISSISSIPPI sailed up the Mississippi River to the City of Natchez, Mississippi. There was much local and national media attention given to this historic first. However, there were few cameras there to record the affair. In fact, the only photos I know of are part of a collection taken by a professional photographer who visited the ship with his family. A number of photographs of the ship, marketed as postcards and with references to Natchez, can be found, but the photos themselves are of an earlier date. These postcards were made up ahead of time to sell as souvenirs.

 

As best as can be determined, the photo of the MISSISSIPPI was taken by a tourist aboard the steamboat "Belle of the Bends." This excursion boat was hired to steam from Vicksburg, further up river, to Natchez and dock along side. Two days later, the "Belle" returned to Vicksburg. There is the name "Toohey" on the back of the postcard and he is credited with taking the photo. In 1910, there was indeed a James Toohey residing in Vicksburg. It is quite possible he and his family came to see the ship. The second postcard posted here (already in my collection) shows the "Belle" as she passes the MISSISSIPPI anchored off Natchez.

 

MissyNatchezX.jpg

 

BelleNatchezX.jpg

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