Civil War & Trans-Mississippi Heritage in Jefferson, Texas
During the Civil War, Jefferson served as the vital military and industrial supply depot for the Confederacy's Trans-Mississippi Department. Today, historic preservation, annual symposiums, and living history preserve this extraordinary legacy.
Free Printable PDF Guide15th Annual Civil War Symposium Speakers
Featuring four All-Star historians presenting groundbreaking research on combat leadership, field medicine, river ironclads, and Texas Unionists in the Trans-Mississippi Department.
Scott Dearman
Historian & Former Park Superintendent
Mansfield State Historic Site
“A Killing at The Willard Hotel: Philemon Herbert and the Herbert-Keating Affair of 1856”
Philemon Herbert commanded the 7th Texas Cavalry in the Red River Expedition of 1864. Eight years prior as a U.S. Congressman, he was involved in a fatal brawl at Washington's Willard Hotel. This presentation explores whether Herbert acted in self-defense or deserved his notoriety in the Northern press.
Bill J. Gurley, Ph.D.
Professor & Principal Scientist
National Center for Natural Products Research, University of Mississippi
“Mosquitoes, Miasmas, and Minié Balls: Civil War Medicine on the Edge of the Confederacy”
Explores battlefield surgery, epidemic disease, miasma theories, and severe supply shortages experienced by Confederate surgeons west of the Mississippi River, showing how wartime medicine paved the way for modern practice.
Gary Joiner, Ph.D.
Professor of History & Former Department Chair
Louisiana State University Shreveport (LSUS)
“William Rion Hoel – The Indispensable Man”
Hoel was a Mississippi River steamboat captain who rose to command Union ironclads in the Mississippi Squadron. Admiral David Dixon Porter and General U.S. Grant both regarded Hoel as the finest riverboat strategist of the war.
Richard McCaslin, Ph.D.
Texas State Historian & Director of Publications
Texas State Historical Association (TSHA)
“Texan in Blue: Francis Asbury Vaughan”
Francis Asbury Vaughan departed Guadalupe County in July 1862, but chose to fight as a Captain in the First Texas Cavalry, USA. His post-war career as a Texas Republican politician provides crucial perspective on Texas Unionism.
Attend the Symposium (Aug 8, 2026)
Advance registration is $90.00 (Includes catered luncheon) (Students $40.00 (Includes catered luncheon)). Includes full lecture access and catered luncheon.
Civil War & Riverport Landmarks in Jefferson
Explore historic sites that anchored Jefferson's strategic role as the Trans-Mississippi Department's riverine manufacturing and supply center.
Jefferson Historical Society & Museum
223 W. Austin St, Jefferson, TX 75657
Housed in the majestic 1888 Federal Building, four floors of exhibits detail Jefferson's steamboat era, Civil War artifacts, weapon collections, and riverport industrial history.
Wartime Significance: Primary repository of Trans-Mississippi military correspondence, weapons, and local homefront records.
Visitor Tip: Host of the Annual Civil War Symposium. Open daily 9:30 AM – 4:30 PM.
Confederate Ordnance Depot Site & Big Cypress Boatyard
Big Cypress Bayou Waterfront, Jefferson, TX
During 1862–1865, Jefferson served as a major manufacturing hub for gunpowder, artillery saddles, iron goods, and steamboat repair for the Confederate army.
Wartime Significance: Supplied ordnance and food supplies via steamboat to Confederate forces across East Texas and Louisiana.
Visitor Tip: Best viewed from the Historic Turning Basin and Cypress Bayou boat tours.
The Excelsior House Hotel
211 W. Austin St, Jefferson, TX 75657
In continuous operation since the 1850s, this historic hotel hosted prominent figures of the 19th century and retains its original period furnishings.
Wartime Significance: Served as a hospitality headquarters during the riverport boom and Civil War officer lodging.
Visitor Tip: Offers special 10% room discounts for Civil War Symposium weekend attendees.
Historic Oakwood Cemetery
N. Alley St & W. Lake St, Jefferson, TX
Final resting place of steamboat captains, early Texas pioneers, and dozens of Civil War veterans from both Confederate and Union units.
Wartime Significance: Contains graves of soldiers from the Red River Campaign and 19th-century river captains.
Visitor Tip: Self-guided walking maps available at the Visitor Center.
10% Lodging Discounts for Symposium Weekend
Jefferson's finest historic bed & breakfasts and boutique hotels are offering an exclusive 10% discount for guests attending the 15th Annual Civil War Symposium (August 7–9, 2026).
How to Claim Your 10% Symposium Discount
Follow these three easy steps to reserve your room directly with participating Jefferson hosts:
Pick Your Inn
Review verified photos, walking distance to the symposium venue, and amenities below.
Call Directly or Enter Code
Call the innkeeper directly using the large phone buttons, or enter promo code CivilWar online for Delta Street Inn.
Mention Symposium
Mention the 15th Annual Civil War Symposium to receive your 10% weekend discount.
Have questions about ground-floor rooms, stairs, or dietary needs? Jefferson's innkeepers love speaking directly with symposium attendees. Tap any phone number below to call directly!
Inns Offering 10% Symposium Discounts
The Excelsior House Hotel
211 W Austin St, Jefferson, TX 75657
Property Highlights:
- Operating continuously since 1858
- Grand ballroom & fountain courtyard
- Famous guests include U.S. Grant & Lady Bird Johnson
- Walkable to all symposium sessions
The Steamboat Inn
114 N Marshall St, Jefferson, TX 75657
Property Highlights:
- Ranked #2 B&B in Texas on Booking.com
- Full gourmet hot breakfast included each morning
- Evening wine & sweets hospitality
- Private baths with antique clawfoot tubs
Delta Street Inn
206 E Delta St, Jefferson, TX 75657
Property Highlights:
- Instant 10% online savings with promo code CivilWar
- Charming cottage setting on quiet street
- Fresh homestyle country breakfast included
- Garden porch & relaxing outdoor seating
Kennedy Manor B&B
217 W Lafayette St, Jefferson, TX 75657
Property Highlights:
- 6 spacious guest rooms with private baths
- Music parlor with grand piano & Victrola
- Wraparound porch, fire pit & goldfish pond
- TripAdvisor Travelers' Choice Winner
Black Swan B&B
210 W Austin St, Jefferson, TX 75657
Property Highlights:
- Steps from shops, dining & symposium hall
- Antique period furnishings & garden courtyard
- Full hot breakfast included daily
Green Gables of Jefferson
304 W Lafayette St, Jefferson, TX 75657
Property Highlights:
- Quiet host-to-guest ratio with 3 rooms
- Classic Southern wraparound porch
- Homemade breakfast included daily
Old Mulberry Inn
209 E Jefferson St, Jefferson, TX 75657
Property Highlights:
- 4 charming period rooms with private baths
- Mulberry tree-shaded grounds & front parlor
- Full hot country breakfast included
Complete Directory of Participating Lodgings
All 10 verified bed & breakfasts and hotels participating in the 10% Civil War Symposium discount rate:
The Excelsior House Hotel
Historic 1858 Hotel10% OffBooking Instructions: Call the front desk directly at (903) 665-2513 and request the Civil War Symposium 10% discount.
The Steamboat Inn
Top-Rated Historic B&B10% OffBooking Instructions: Call the innkeeper directly at (903) 472-9838 to reserve with the 10% symposium rate.
Delta Street Inn
Online Code Available10% OffBooking Instructions: Book online using promo code 'CivilWar' or call directly at (903) 665-2929.
Kennedy Manor B&B
Greek Revival Manor10% OffBooking Instructions: Call innkeepers directly at (903) 665-0772 to reserve with the Civil War discount.
Black Swan B&B
Austin Street Downtown10% OffBooking Instructions: Call directly at (903) 665-7023 and mention Civil War Symposium weekend.
Green Gables of Jefferson
Intimate 3-Room Inn10% OffBooking Instructions: Call directly at (903) 407-1956 and mention the Museum Civil War Symposium rate.
Old Mulberry Inn
Mulberry-Shaded Grounds10% OffBooking Instructions: Call ahead at (903) 665-1945 to book and request the 10% museum rate.
Azalea Inn Bed & Breakfast
Victorian B&B10% OffBooking Instructions: Call directly at (903) 601-3375 and mention the Museum Civil War Symposium.
Benefield House Bed & Breakfast
Historic East Texas Estate10% OffBooking Instructions: Call innkeepers Tommy & Nicole directly at (903) 665-9366 to claim the 10% museum discount rate.
Bessie's Landing
Pet-Friendly Suite10% OffBooking Instructions: Contact host directly at (972) 247-3557 prior to booking to receive the special event rate.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the Jefferson Civil War Symposium held?
The 15th Annual Civil War Symposium takes place on Saturday, August 8, 2026, from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM at the City of Jefferson Convention & Visitor Center.
What is included in the symposium registration fee?
Advance registration is $90 per adult and $40 per student, which includes admission to all 4 historian lectures and a catered luncheon.
How do I get a lodging discount for the Civil War Symposium weekend?
Several top Jefferson B&Bs and the Excelsior House Hotel offer a 10% discount for attendees. For most properties, call directly and mention the Civil War Symposium; for Delta Street Inn, use promo code 'CivilWar' online.
What was Jefferson's role during the Civil War?
Jefferson was a crucial riverport and industrial depot for the Confederate Trans-Mississippi Department, producing munitions, iron goods, boat repairs, and supplies shipped down Big Cypress Bayou.
How do I download the printable Civil War & Heritage Field Guide?
Enter your email in the field guide form on this page. We'll instantly email you a private 24-hour tokenized download link for the full PDF guide.