CIVIL WAR'S LITTLE KNOWN HISTORY / ANTI CONFEDERACY REBELLION IN MISSISSIPPI, 1862

Scene from the 2015 film "The Free State of Jones" starring Matthew McConaughey as Newton Knight.  

A Beginner’s Guide to the Free State of Jones 

In the shadow of America’s Civil War, among the foggy pinewoods and swamps of Mississippi, an unlikely rebellion took root—one that challenged not only the Confederacy but the very idea of who the war was meant to serve. 

This was the Free State of Jones, a ragtag breakaway movement led by a poor farmer named Newton Knight. 

Who Was Newton Knight?   

Newton Knight, left, was no plantation owner. 

Born in Jones County, Mississippi, in 1829, Knight was a poor white farmer, a former Confederate soldier turned rebel—against the Confederacy. After seeing how the war favored the wealthy (who could buy their sons out of service), Knight became disillusioned. 

When the Confederacy began confiscating crops and livestock from poor Southern families, that was the last straw. 

What Sparked the Rebellion?   

Knight deserted the Confederate Army around 1862. Hiding in the swamps with a small group of fellow deserters and escaped enslaved people, Knight began organizing resistance. This band—known as the Knight Company—ambushed Confederate tax agents, disrupted supply lines, and protected the local population from raids.   

At its height, the movement declared Jones County and parts of neighboring counties a free state—loyal not to the Confederacy, nor exactly to the Union, but to their own fiercely independent code. 

Was It Really a “Free State”?   

The term Free State of Jones was mostly symbolic. There was no official secession or government, but the defiance was real. For a time, Confederate control all but evaporated in the region. Knight’s rebellion exposed deep fractures within the South—not every Southerner supported the war or the cause of slavery. 

What Happened After the War?   

Knight continued to live in Jones County after the war, scandalizing many by openly living with Rachel, a formerly enslaved woman he had helped free. Their mixed-race community became a point of social controversy in postwar Mississippi. Newton Knight’s legacy was complicated—hero to some, traitor to others, and an uncomfortable reminder of the South’s internal divisions. 

Why Does It Matter?   

The Free State of Jones matters because it challenges the myth of a unified Confederacy. It also offers a rare window into how class, race, and rebellion overlapped during America’s most brutal conflict. It asks: what happens when the common folk realize they’re dying in someone else’s war? 

Pop Culture Note   

In 2016, the story received renewed attention with the film Free State of Jones starring Matthew McConaughey as Newton Knight. While dramatized, the movie brought this little-known chapter of American history to a broader audience. 

RETRO FILES / MUSEUM OF A BITTER WAR

 

National Civil War Museum, Harrisburg PA.

Discover the National Civil War Museum 

Nestled in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, the National Civil War Museum offers an immersive exploration into one of the most defining periods of American history. Opened in 2001, the museum is dedicated to presenting an unbiased view of the Civil War, showcasing the perspectives of both Union and Confederate sides, as well as those of enslaved people, civilians, and soldiers alike. 

The museum’s impressive collection features over 24,000 artifacts, including uniforms, weapons, photographs, and personal letters, allowing visitors to connect deeply with the human stories of the era. Interactive exhibits and multimedia presentations vividly portray the timeline of the war, from its causes and battles to the social and political ramifications that continue to shape the nation. 

One highlight is the museum’s focus on lesser-told narratives, such as the contributions of African American soldiers and the plight of civilians caught in the conflict. The “Lincoln: The Constitution and the Civil War” exhibit offers a profound look at how Abraham Lincoln navigated the constitutional challenges of his presidency. 

Practical Information for Visitors 

• Address: 1 Lincoln Circle at Reservoir Park, Harrisburg, PA 17103 

• Nearest International Airport: Harrisburg International Airport (MDT), located about 15 miles from the museum. For those traveling from farther afield, Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI) is approximately 90 miles away and offers a broader range of international flights. 

Why Is This Museum Relatively Unknown? 

Despite the widespread interest in Civil War history, the National Civil War Museum remains somewhat under the radar. Its location in Harrisburg, a city not traditionally associated with major Civil War battlefields like Gettysburg, may contribute to its lesser-known status. 

Additionally, marketing efforts have been modest compared with high-profile historical sites [like Gettysburg 36 miles from Harrisburg]. However, this unassuming stature often works in its favor, offering visitors an intimate and uncrowded experience to delve deeply into history without the bustling crowds of larger attractions. 

Set atop Reservoir Park, the museum also offers stunning views of the Susquehanna Valley, providing a serene backdrop for reflecting on the sacrifices and complexities of the Civil War. 

Whether you're a history buff or a casual visitor, the National Civil War Museum is an enriching experience that deepens understanding of America's past and the enduring lessons of unity and resilience. Plan your visit to this remarkable institution and step into the stories that shaped a nation. 

For more information, visit www.nationalcivilwarmuseum.org. 

Display of Union Army artillery ammo and equipment