Jefferson Historical Pilgrimage
JEFFERSON, TEXAS- The 67th Annual Jefferson Historical Pilgrimage will be held May 1, 2, 3, and 4. This year’s theme is “Jefferson’s Golden Era.” Jefferson will be filled with events and activities. Tourists can enjoy a trip back in time to the 1860s while enjoying present day Jefferson.
This year marks the 60th year of the Diamond Bessie Murder Trail performances in Jefferson. Five Diamond Bessie Murder Trail performances will take place May 1-4. Thursday, May 1 and Friday, May 2, performances begin at 7:30p.m. Saturday’s performance will begin at 5:30p.m. and again at 8:30p.m. Sunday will mark the final performance which will begin at 2p.m. Al perormances will take place at the Jefferson Playhouse, on the corner of Market and Henderson streets).
Tickets may be purchased by calling (903) 665-6075. Purchasing tickets in advance is highly recommended.
READ MORE ABOUT THE DIAMOND BESSIE MURDER TRAIL
The Annual Parade and Town Skirmish takes place on May 3. Head Downtown on Saturday, May 3, at 10 a.m. Enjoy the Pilgrimage Parade followed by the Town Skirmish. The full scale Battle for Jefferson re-enactments battle site is Cypress River Ranch on FM 2208.
The first battle will take place on Saturday, May 3, at 4 p.m. and the second battle is on Sunday, May 4, at 1:30 p.m. Signs will direct guests to the battle site where there is plenty of parking. This is the largest Civil War battle re-enactment in Texas.
Historic Church Tours will be held n Friday and Saturday, May 2 and May 3, from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. The Methodist, Presbyterian, Episcopal, Catholic and Baptist churches will be the five destinations on the tour. All five churches were established and built during the mid 1800s, and played a vital role in the life of Jefferson which continues to this day.
Period dressed docents will greet guests presenting the entertaining stories contained in the church histories. Visitors will see the many articles, pictures, furnishings and antique items each church house. Tickets may be purchased by calling (903) 665-2513 or (800) 490-7270 or at Pilgrimage Headquarters in front of the Excelsior House beginning at 9:30 a.m. each day of Pilgrimage.
Cradts Fair and Heirloom Plant Sale will be held on May 2 – 4. Enjoy the Crafts Fair and Heirloom Plant Sale in Perry Park next to the Excelsior House on Friday and Saturday, May 2 and 3, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. and Sunday, May 4, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
The Quilt and Heritage Fiber Arts Exhibit will be on May 2 and 3, from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. in the Jeffersonian Institute at 120 East Austin Street.
The weekend will also offer a Twilight Gardens Stroll. At twilight on Friday and Saturday, May 2 and 3, from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m., stroll through four beautiful gardens.
Excelsior House Grand Ballroom/Courtyard Luncheon Buffet takes place on May 3. After the Pilgrimage Parade and Town Skirmish, enjoy The Excelsior House Grand Ballroom/Courtyard Luncheon Buffet served from 11:30 a.m. – 2 p.m. at $14 inclusive. Reservations are strongly recommended by calling (903) 665-2513 or (800) 490-7270.
Wrap up the weekend with a re-enactment of presentation of colors to Jefferson guard on May 4, at 10 a.m. in front of the Christ Episcopal Church on Main Street across from Lion’s Park as visitors watch the Presentation of Colors. This is the re-enactment of Miss Fannie Benners’ horseback ride presenting the flag, which was made by the women of Christ Episcopal Church, to the Jefferson Guard as they leave to fight for the Confederacy.
Spend the weekend in Jefferson and experience the magic and history of this small east Texas town. Stay in a historic hotel or a bed & breakfast. Shop and dine downtown, visit the museums, and take a ride in a horse drawn carriage. Visit the Historic Oakwood Cemetery, take a riverboat ride or a train ride. There’s something for everyone in Jefferson!
Visit jeffersonpilgrimage.com or email [email protected] or [email protected] or call the Excelsior House at (903) 665-2513 or (800) 490-7270.