We are coming to you this week from the center of Hinds County. We are in the beautiful and historic town of Raymond. Established in 1809, Raymond was named for General Raymond Robinson who donated 640 acres for the town site on the condition that the town be named for him. In 1929 the town was selected as the county seat of Hinds County.

As a stop along the Natchez Trace, Raymond quickly became a bustling trade center with numerous doctors, lawyers and big new beautiful homes. The town also boasted of two famous health resorts that attracted people to the area. Mississippi Springs and Cooper's Well had the reputation for containing healing spring water used to treat many of the body's ills.

With the idea that Raymond's role in county government would be signified by a grand and glorious courthouse the town of Raymond sought the best architects that could be found. The Weldon brothers were chosen for the task and in 1859 a new Greek Revival courthouse was constructed in Raymond. But just four years later the beautiful building was temporarily marred with the blood of Confederate soldiers when the courthouse was turned into a hospital during the Civil War.

May 12, 1863 was the saddest day the town of Raymond ever witnessed. On that day General McPherson and 10,000 Union soldiers were marching towards Jackson under Grant's orders when they ran across General John Gregg and his small army of 2,500 Confederate men near Raymond. In spite of the odds the battle lasted most of the day but the small group of Confederates were finally forced to retreat. In our first story, we introduce you to a group of people who believe it is very important to stay connected to our past. And they are doing this by walking in the footsteps of Union and Confederate soldiers in the Battle of Raymond.

Bring on the ribs and pulled pork and plenty of sauce. We follow two BBQ cooking teams as they travel up the road to the world series of barbeque at The Memphis in May BBQ Contest.

Located in Scott County in The Bienville National Forest, the Moore Fire Tower, was constructed in 1940. It is the only one of its kind still standing in the state of Mississippi. The 100 foot high tower was retired from service in 1996. The tower's five year vacancy has left it in a critical state of disrepair. This segment continues our look at Mississippi's Ten Most Endangered Historic Places.

Walt devotes his time to the history and beauty of the dogwood tree on this weeks edition of Walt's Way.

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