Vignettes - Events
The Republic of West Florida
With the Louisiana Purchase of 1803, it was assumed that the area known as West Florida was a part of the United States. However, Spain claimed the lands as her own. Ultimately in 1810, citizens of West Florida revolted from Spain and set up their own country known as the Republic of West Florida. From… (read more)
The Mississippi Married Women’s Property Act Of 1839
By Sandra Moncrief Mississippi was the first state in the nation to grant married women the right to hold property in their own names. Two little known but important events in the 1830s led to this reform in women’s rights. These events and the laws that resulted have been virtually overlooked by historians — possibly… (read more)
Battle of 1814
J. F. H. Claiborne, in his 1876 address, told that a regiment of Mississippi militia was stationed in support of the battery, but made a hasty retreat to the Big Spring. An invalid lady from Natchez implored the colonel to fire one gun for the honor of the country, but failing to do so, she… (read more)
Incorporation of the Town of Shieldsborough 1818
To establish and incorporate the Town of Shieldsborough. Sec. 1. Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the State of Mississippi in General Assembly convened, That the place situated on the West side of the Bay St. Louis, in the County of Hancock, known by the name of Shieldsborough, is… (read more)
Last Hanging in Hancock County – Silas Richardson
The capture, trial and execution of Silas Richardson as reported in the Sea Coast Echo 1928 – 1929 Sea Coast Echo, August 17, 1928 MAN KILLED, POLICEMAN SHOT, NEGRO MURDERER ESCAPES, OFFER REWARD John Victor Dambrio Is Dead, Chief of Police Mark Oliver Seriously Wounded as Result of Shots… (read more)
Governor Fulwar Skipwith’s Speech
1810 Gentlemen of the Senate, And of the House of Representatives, CALLED by your joint and unanimous suffrages, to fill the office of chief magistrate, under the constitution adopted by the people of this commonwealth, I repair with a full sense of my own imperfect qualifications, to that critical and honorable post, believing it to… (read more)