Articles by Rufus Ward
Ask Rufus: Cannons and cannonballs, lost and found
There are many old stories circulating about people along the upper Tombigbee River finding cannons or cannonballs of unknown origin.
Ask Rufus: Fort Tombecbe: A 1736 French fort on the Tombigbee
Today, few people realize the extent of European activity during the 1700s in the Tombigbee Valley or how European conflicts between the French and English spilled over into our region. The 1700s were turbulent times in northeast Mississippi and west Alabama.
Ask Rufus: The Arrival of the Automobile
I have seen several different accounts of who owned the first automobile in Columbus.
Ask Rufus: The Columbus Fair
Fall is fast approaching, and once again it is time for the Columbus Fair, which will be opening on Wednesday.
Ask Rufus: Alligator Stories
When I was growing up in Columbus an alligator sighting was a big deal, but not anymore.
Ask Rufus: A Postcard’s Story
There is a 1908 postcard view of the Steamer American at the Columbus landing that has become the iconic image of a Tombigbee steamboat at Columbus.
Ask Rufus: In Black history is found the story of Columbus
The little told but very important role of Black people in the exploration and settlement of the Tombigbee River Valley from Mobile into northeast Mississippi is a story that needs repeating.
Ask Rufus: ‘The Sound of Distant Thunder’: John Audubon
On the Natchez Trace, not far below Mathiston, one passes a historic marker for Pigeon Roost and Pigeon Roost Creek.
Ask Rufus: The Grand Round
In West Point I practiced law with Albert Pippen for about 30 years. He had been Clay County attorney back in the 1950s and had many stories about how law practice and politics had changed.
Ask Rufus: The ‘W,’ A 175 year History of Quality Education
The W may not claim it, but this year marks the 175th anniversary of the school. Its early beginnings are evidenced by Calloway Hall, which turns 162 years old this year.
Ask Rufus: Celebrating the Fourth
Although the Fourth of July, when we celebrate the Declaration of Independence, is not until Tuesday, most of the celebrations will be this weekend.
Ask Rufus: Titanic Memories
Last week, it was as though the ghost of the Titanic had risen from the depths, as the world followed the tragic search for the submersible, Titan, and its five-man crew. It was a heart wrenching wait for news about the rescue mission.
Ask Rufus: Stickball, the ancestor of lacrosse
It’s that time when kids’ outdoor summer sports are cranking up.
Ask Rufus: An Outrageous Act of Villainy
The recent surge in shootings across America and in Mississippi brought to mind the violence of the past and a murder near Columbus that once attracted national attention.
Ask Rufus: Columbus and Memorial Day
There are more than 24 cities and towns, including Columbus, that have claimed credit as the birthplace of Memorial Day.
Ask Rufus: Island Memories
This weekend the Lee High Class of 1968 is having its 55th reunion. It is taking place at Nathan’s Landing, an event center that once was the old Snow White Club.
Ask Rufus: Rommel’s Africa Corps marched through Aliceville
It must have been an amazing sight to behold on the day during World War II when columns of German soldiers, including members of Field Marshal Erwin Rommel’s famed Africa Corps, marched through Aliceville, Alabama.
Ask Rufus: Silas McBee’s journey through history
In East Columbus there is a creek that crosses Gardner Boulevard and West Lehmberg Road that is mistakenly called Magby Creek.
Ask Rufus: The Early Steamboats
Last year I wrote a column on the 200th anniversary of the first steamboat to arrive at Columbus.
