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Discover Raymond

Discover Raymond, Mississippi: A Small Town with a Big History

Raymond, Mississippi may not make the headlines like bigger Southern cities, but it more than holds its own when it comes to charm, history, and community spirit. Just 20 miles southwest of Jackson, Raymond is a town where the past and present meet-where Civil War battlegrounds lie minutes from vibrant college campuses, and historic courthouses overlook family-owned farms.

Whether you're a traveler hunting for hidden gems, a history enthusiast, or a local revisiting your roots, Raymond invites you to slow down and discover its deep cultural roots, natural beauty, and unique place in Mississippi's story.

A Town Born from the Old South

Raymond was founded in 1830 and named for Raymond Robinson, a legislator from the Mississippi Territorial Legislature. Thanks to its central location in Hinds County, the town became one of the county's two seats-a designation it still holds today [Rowland, Mississippi: Comprising Sketches of Counties].

By the mid-1800s, Raymond was a flourishing center of cotton farming and legal affairs. The construction of the Hinds County Courthouse in 1859 marked the town's prominence. Designed in the Greek Revival style, the courthouse still operates today and stands as one of the oldest functioning courthouses in Mississippi [National Park Service].

Right outside of Raymond on Highway 18 is Pecan Hill Farms, where our orchards are located. Our orchards began around 1870 with the planting of a square mile of pecan trees. We still harvest pecans from those trees today as well as the many thousands of pecan trees we have planted in the last 25 years.

Civil War Spotlight: The Battle of Raymond

One of the most pivotal events in Raymond's history occurred on May 12, 1863. The Battle of Raymond was part of General Ulysses S. Grant's Vicksburg Campaign. Union forces under General James B. McPherson clashed with Confederate troops led by General John Gregg. Though smaller in scale than major battles, the Union's victory here proved strategically vital, enabling Grant to flank the Confederates and move toward Vicksburg-a turning point in the Civil War [U.S. National Archives].

Today, visitors can explore the Raymond Battlefield, and observe the lines of cannons as they would have been in the battle. The park features interpretive signage, cannons, and walking trails that trace the soldiers' movements. Just down the road lies the Confederate Cemetery, where over 100 Southern soldiers-many from the 3rd Tennessee and 7th Texas infantries-are buried. Some graves are marked; others are known only to history.

Where Is Raymond?

Located in Mississippi's Loess Hills, Raymond is just a short drive from Jackson, but it feels a world away. Rich Mississippi delta soil still remains centuries after flooding from the Mississippi River leaving rolling hills, fertile farmland, and tree-lined roads that define the landscape. It's an ideal base for exploring both the cultural riches of the capital city and the slower-paced charm of the countryside.

Must-See Sites in Raymond

Hinds County Courthouse As the town's architectural and historical centerpiece, this 1859 courthouse still holds court-literally and figuratively. It's listed on the National Register of Historic Places and serves as a living museum.

Raymond Battlefield Park Experience history where it happened. Walking trails and interpretive signs guide you through the terrain where Union and Confederate troops met in 1863. It's a must for any Civil War enthusiast.

Confederate Cemetery Located near the battlefield, this site holds 109 known graves from the Battle of Raymond, with many more marked only by simple stones or crosses.

St. Mark's Episcopal Church Built in 1854, this beautiful Gothic Revival church was converted into a hospital during the Civil War. It still bears bullet holes and bloodstains from those dark days-a haunting yet powerful reminder of Raymond's past [Mississippi Department of Archives and History].

The Little Big Store Housed in the historic Raymond Train Depot, The Little Big Store is a quirky treasure trove for music lovers. You'll find vinyl records, cassettes, posters, and music memorabilia galore.

Hinds Community College Founded in 1917 as an agricultural high school, Hinds Community College has evolved into one of Mississippi's largest educational institutions. With over 12,000 students across its campuses, the Raymond location remains its flagship, contributing energy and innovation to the town [www.hindscc.edu].

Why Visit Raymond?

Raymond may be a small town, but it tells a big story-one that echoes through its battlefields, classrooms, courthouses, and quiet streets. It's a place where Southern hospitality meets historic preservation, where you can explore Civil War landmarks in the morning and shop for vinyl records in the afternoon.

From its deep Civil War roots to its role in Mississippi's agricultural and educational legacy, Raymond is more than a dot on the map. It's a living museum, a thriving college town, and a hidden gem that deserves a spot on your travel itinerary.

So the next time you're in central Mississippi, take a detour to Raymond. Walk the old battlefield. Marvel at the Greek Revival courthouse. Grab a bite downtown. You'll leave with more than photos-you'll take home a deeper understanding of Mississippi's past and present.

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📝 Planning a trip to Raymond or have stories of your own? Share your experiences in the comments! We'd love to hear how Raymond touched your life.