If He Was Still Alive, He'd be 202 Today!

Today is the birthday of Confederate president Jefferson Davis. He was born in Christian County, Kentucky, not far from where Abraham Lincoln was born one year later. The tenth youngest child of a plantation owner, Davis rose to become one of the most celebrated, and yet controversial, American statesmen.

His illustrious career began with the military, where he served as an officer. He was elected to the House of Representatives and later to Congress, married twice, and had six children, but only one survived to adulthood. He saw much pain and sadness in his lifetime, but still maintained his firm belief in the Confederate cause. Following the War Between the States, he became somewhat of a recluse, penning his memoirs at Beauvoir in Biloxi, Mississippi. After his death at age 81, his wife, Varina, had his body moved to Richmond, where it remains today.

Bertram Hayes-Davis, who is the great-great grandson of Jefferson Davis, frequently tours the country speaking on behalf of his infamous ancestor. Sadly, he has encountered obstacles in regard to having Jefferson Davis receive the honor he so greatly deserves. In fact, there is talk about removing his statue from the National Statuary Hall in the U.S. Capitol Building. Instead of dismissing Jefferson Davis as being politically incorrect, we should honor him for the sacrifices he made for his country and what he believed to be right. Let us celebrate him as a true patriot and the American icon that he was.

Biloxi and Beauvoir Rebuilding

Four and a half years after Hurricane Katrina, the city of Biloxi, Mississippi is finally recovering. The beaches are being re-sanded, the casinos are being remodeled, and demolished residences are being rebuilt. Beauvoir, Jefferson Davis’ home, is also in the process of being restored.

Progress is taking place on the grounds, especially on the site of the new library. Fortunately, books that were in the old library were stored safely before the hurricane hit, so none of them were lost or damaged. Beauvior has retained its regal beauty, and will eventually be restored to its original splendor, including a rose garden replicating the one Varina Howell Davis planted on the grounds.

Christmas at Beauvoir

On a recent trip down to Biloxi, my husband and I stopped by Beauvoir, the beautiful home where Jefferson Davis lived out his final years after the Civil War. The structure was damaged from Hurricane Katrina, but has since been restored to its original splendor.

The first photo shows the work being done to replace the presidential library that was destroyed by the storm. Sadly, most of the contents in the museum that was housed on the first floor were destroyed. The books were upstairs, however, so they were spared, and are now being stored at various locations around town until the new library is completed, which should be in two years.

The second photo is Beauvoir, which means "beautiful view" in French. The entire porch and steps have been replaced. Photo #3 shows the Confederate cemetery on the grounds behind the house. After Jefferson Davis died, Varina Howell Davis, his wife, donated the property to Confederate veterans as a retirement home for them and their spouses. These are the people buried in the cemetery, along with Jefferson Davis' beloved mule and dog. President Davis and Mrs. Davis are buried in Hollywood Cemetery in Richmond.

Photo #4 shows what was salvaged from a memorial monument built by the United Daughters of the Confederacy. It was originally erected in front of the house. Like the monument, a few antiques that were in the museum were found, but most were damaged. They are on display in the gift shop. The final picture is one of the grounds, which overlook the Gulf of Mexico. It is absolutely stunning, and it's no wonder why they named the home "Beauvoir."