hinds county courthouse

The Hinds County Courthouse in Raymond is a pre-civil war building that still functions in it's intended purpose. County offices are located here as is a functioning courtroom. Small, it will take you only a few minutes to walk around the courthouse and it's grounds. The Raymond town square is located next door and is worth a few minutes. Just outside of town you'll find the Raymond Battlefield Park, location of a battle during Grant's Vicksburg campaign. Next door to the courthouse the historic Episcopal Church which still has blood stains on the floor, the results of being used as a hospital during the battle.

I love the court room. Looking out the windows here onto the lawn with its live oaks it's easy to imagine life in the 1850s.

Main Street in Raymond is dotted the historic structures. The Hinds County Courthouse was built in 1857-1859. The building has recently been restored and is used as one of two court houses for the county (the other in Jackson). The courthouse is said to have been used as a hospital during and after the battle of Raymond. Other early structures are the wood frame Church of the Nativity of the blessed virgin Mary Catholic Church which was constructed in 1885. The Railroad Depot was build in 1889. Also next to the courthouse is St. Mark's Episcopal Church, built in 1855. It too served as a hospital after the Battle of Raymond. There are also many homes that were built early and are marked with a date on small signs in front of each. These and other structures define the architectural character of Raymond's historic center. The central location of the courthouse makes it the heart of this small southern town.