Vidalia
Louisiana
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City Of Vidalia
History
Vidalia is named for Don Josẻ Vidal, (March 12, 1765 – August 22, 1828). Vidal served as the Spanish Commandant for the post of Concord, 1798 – 1803. He also served in the Spanish Navy in the American Revolution and as Spanish Consul in Natchez, MS. The Louisiana legislature named Vidalia in his honor in 1870. Don Josẻ Vidal is buried in the Natchez City Cemetery.
Historically, Vidalia’s most famous event was the Sandbar Fight. On September 9, 1827, a duel between Samuel Levi Wells, III, and Dr. Thomas H. Maddox, took place on a sandbar near Vidalia, Louisiana. Among the seconds and other witnesses were Major Norris Wright of Rapides Parish and Jim Bowie, who were bitter enemies.
The principal duelists chose their pistols, stepped 8 paces, fired and missed. The seconds reloaded and Wells and Maddox fired again but both were still standing. The dispute ended and the two men shook hands and retired to the trees for some wine. After the duelists had completed their duel of honor, shots were fired by some of the bystanders. Two people were killed and Major Norris Wright attacked Jim Bowie with a sword cane. Jim Bowie pulled a knife and killed Norris Wright.
After many written accounts in newspapers across the country, the legend was born about the fighting man and the famous weapon was later referred to as the "Bowie Knife".
A festival to mark this event is held each year on the fourth Saturday in September and features children’s games, great food and music. The highlight of the day is the Sandbar Duel Re-enactment of 1827, featuring reenactors and many locals.
Vidalia is named for Don Josẻ Vidal, (March 12, 1765 – August 22, 1828). Vidal served as the Spanish Commandant for the post of Concord, 1798 – 1803. He also served in the Spanish Navy in the American Revolution and as Spanish Consul in Natchez, MS. The Louisiana legislature named Vidalia in his honor in 1870. Don Josẻ Vidal is buried in the Natchez City Cemetery.
Historically, Vidalia’s most famous event was the Sandbar Fight. On September 9, 1827, a duel between Samuel Levi Wells, III, and Dr. Thomas H. Maddox, took place on a sandbar near Vidalia, Louisiana. Among the seconds and other witnesses were Major Norris Wright of Rapides Parish and Jim Bowie, who were bitter enemies.
The principal duelists chose their pistols, stepped 8 paces, fired and missed. The seconds reloaded and Wells and Maddox fired again but both were still standing. The dispute ended and the two men shook hands and retired to the trees for some wine. After the duelists had completed their duel of honor, shots were fired by some of the bystanders. Two people were killed and Major Norris Wright attacked Jim Bowie with a sword cane. Jim Bowie pulled a knife and killed Norris Wright.
After many written accounts in newspapers across the country, the legend was born about the fighting man and the famous weapon was later referred to as the "Bowie Knife".
A festival to mark this event is held each year on the fourth Saturday in September and features children’s games, great food and music. The highlight of the day is the Sandbar Duel Re-enactment of 1827, featuring reenactors and many locals.