Old Bridgeport Road facts for kids
The Old Bridgeport Road is a very old and important road in Mississippi, United States. It was the first road the state of Mississippi built through a new area called the Choctaw Cession. This land became part of Mississippi after the Treaty of Doak's Stand. The road was built between 1822 and 1825. It got its name from a town called Bridgeport, which used to be where the road crossed the Big Black River.
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A Busy Road in History
The Old Bridgeport Road became a federal Post Road. This meant it was used to deliver mail. In the 1840s, stagecoaches traveled on it every day. They carried people and mail between Jackson, the state capital, and Vicksburg on the Mississippi River.
The Road During the Civil War
During the American Civil War, many soldiers used this road. Both Union and Confederate troops marched on it. They used it before, during, and after the famous Siege of Vicksburg. They also used it when Jackson was taken over by soldiers.
What Happened to the Road?
After the Civil War ended, the Old Bridgeport Road became less important. People started using railroads more, which were built in different areas. Most of the original road has been replaced by newer, modern roads. Other parts of it were simply left alone and are no longer used.
A Small Part Still Remains
Today, only a small section of the road is still in its original condition. This part is about 3/10ths of a mile long and is north of Bolton, Mississippi. It is a narrow, gravel path with high banks. Big, old live oak trees form a canopy over it. This special section is now a designated Mississippi Landmark. This means it is protected because of its historical importance.
Protecting the Road
In 2003, some people wanted to widen and change this last original part of the road. However, the Mississippi Department of Archives and History helped protect it. This section of the road is next to important historical sites. These include a Native American site, a Union Army camp, the Holly Grove Plantation House, and an old African American cemetery.
Because of the efforts to protect it, the Mississippi Heritage Trust added the Old Bridgeport Road to its list of "10 Most Endangered" historic places in 2005.
A New Path for Preservation
Later, a nearby landowner helped find a solution. They gave land to the county to build a new road. This new road was built north of the Old Bridgeport Road. It gave access to houses that used to use the historic road. Once the new road was finished, the county stopped using the Old Bridgeport Road. It then became private property. This helped make sure the Old Bridgeport Road would be kept in its historic condition.
