Balfour House, Vicksburg Travel Guide

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Step back in time at Balfour House in Vicksburg, MS: Home to diarist Emma Balfour during the Civil War's pivotal Siege of Vicksburg.

Balfour House, an antebellum mansion in Vicksburg, Mississippi, built in 1835, is renowned as the home of Emma Balfour, whose diary vividly chronicled the Siege of Vicksburg. This red-brick house, blending Greek Revival and Federalist styles, is a landmark listed on the National Register of Historic Places, offering a window into Civil War history.

A brief summary to Balfour House

1002 Crawford St, Vicksburg, Mississippi, 39180, US

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Balfour House.

Check local sources for information on tours or special events that may be held at Balfour House.
Explore the surrounding historic district to appreciate the architecture and history of Vicksburg.
Wear comfortable shoes for walking on the historic streets around Balfour House.

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Explore Balfour House on the Map

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Getting There

Walking

Balfour House is located at 1002 Crawford Street. From the Vicksburg Convention Center, walk east on South Frontage Road, continue straight for about 0.5 miles until you reach Crawford Street. Turn left onto Crawford Street and walk for about 0.3 miles. Balfour House will be on your left. There is no fee for walking.
Public Transport

To reach Balfour House via public transportation, use the Vicksburg Transit System. Board a bus heading towards downtown. From the Vicksburg Bus Terminal, walk east along South Washington Street for about 0.4 miles, then turn left onto Crawford Street and walk for 0.2 miles. Balfour House is at 1002 Crawford St. A single ride fare is $1.25.
Car

From the Vicksburg National Military Park Visitor Center, drive southwest on US-61 S for approximately 1.5 miles. Turn left onto Crawford Street and continue for about 0.5 miles. Balfour House is at 1002 Crawford St. Street parking is available. Parking is free.

Discover more about Balfour House

Balfour House, located at the corner of Crawford and Cherry Streets in Vicksburg, stands as a testament to the city's rich history. Built around 1835 by James McDowell, the land it occupies was once owned by Lucy Vick, a descendant of Vicksburg's founder, Rev. Newet Vick. William Balfour acquired the house in 1850, and it soon became a center of social life.The house is particularly famous for the Christmas Eve ball in 1862, hosting Confederate officers and their wives. Amidst the revelry, a messenger arrived with news of approaching Union forces, abruptly ending the celebration and foreshadowing the Battle of Chickasaw Bayou.During the Siege of Vicksburg, Emma Balfour famously refused to leave, sheltering wounded Confederate soldiers within her home. Her diary from this period provides a detailed and personal account of the siege, capturing the daily struggles and emotions of the residents. The house itself sustained minor damage during the siege, with one shell hitting above a second-story window.After the Confederate surrender, Union General James B. McPherson used Balfour House as his headquarters. The Balfour family retained ownership until 1890. Over the years, the house has served various purposes, including a Jewish club, property of the Catholic Diocese of Natchez-Jackson, and even apartments before returning to a single-family residence. Balfour House is a Mississippi Landmark.