Staff Writer

Confederate President Jefferson Davis may have left the Cross Keys House in a hurry 143 years ago, but he will make a triumphant return next month.

Davis had a meal at the house during his flight from Richmond on April 29, 1865. On April 26 and 27 the grounds of the house will be open from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. and the States Rights Gist Camp of the Sons of Confederate Veterans will reenact the visit. At 2 p.m. on each of those days, someone portraying Davis will be escorted in on horseback.

Ola Jean Kelly, curator of the Union County Museum, said that according to “A History of Union County,” published in 1977 by the Union County Historical Society, Davis did not identify himself when he arrived. When he was leaving, he said to his hostess, Mrs. Warren Davis, “Mrs. Davis, I thank your for your hospitality. We share the same name - I am Jeff Davis.”

Also during the reenactment, South Carolina's Secession Gov. William Gist and the first lady will visit.

The reenactment is one of several upcoming events designed to promote tourism in Union County.

Next year, the Smithsonian Institute plans to bring 30 people to the museum on its 2009 history tour.

“I have already had two e-mails from them wanting to know if they can expand what they plan to do here,” Mrs. Kelly said.

Thursday, the Olde English Tourism District will bring all the managers from interstate welcome centers to visit the museum, Rose Hill State Historic Site and the Cross Keys House. Pamphlets promoting Rose Hill and the museum now are in place at these welcome center and the tours of the three places are designed to help the managers learn more about them so they can be better promoted to travelers, Mrs. Kelly said.

Next month, a group of 100 fifth-graders from Spartanburg County District 1 will visit the museum through the “Teach American History Right Under Your Feet” program. A volunteer will demonstrate sock making, musicians will play and other displays will be available, perhaps quilting. The children also will learn what a museum employee actually does and the protocol for accepting artifacts.

For participating in the program with the school district, the museum will receive a $2,000 grant.