The journey to the A.K. Shaifer House, the site of the first skirmish of the Battle of Port Gibson, was as challenging as it was rewarding. I drove along a narrow dirt road, teetering on the edge of a kudzu-filled canyon, only to find a locked gate. After rerouting, I encountered a rickety bridge over Buck Creek, which I decided not to cross by Jeep. Instead, I parked, packed some water, and began a picturesque hike. The walk through the carved-out road among the hills, despite the summer heat, was serene, offering a glimpse into the past and the hardships faced by Civil War soldiers and families. Arriving at the Shaifer House, I was met with a tranquil yet bittersweet scene; while the grass was maintained, the property itself showed signs of neglect, adding a layer of melancholy to the otherwise peaceful experience.