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Janie Fortenberry visits Raymond

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One of the oldest towns in Mississippi (having been chartered in 1830), Raymond is the epitome of southern grace and elegance. I visited Raymond a couple of days ago and fell in love with its history, its gorgeous old homes, and its "Small Town, Mississippi" charm.

One of the first things visitors see upon arriving in Raymond, is this pretty water tower located in the center of the town square. The tower was built in 1903, and is a welcoming sight with its flags, banners, and cannon.

Another eye-catcher on the square is the old Raymond Depot building (circa 1889).

For more than half a century this depot served the Little J Railroad that extended from Natchez to Jackson. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the building is now a private residence and music memorabilia shop.

I'm not sure when these stained glass windows were added, but aren't they neat!

This is a view of the above window

 taken from inside the building ...

I love old cabooses, and this one, along with some other railroad memorabilia, is on display behind the depot.

In most small towns, the courthouse is usually one of the most visible structures, and Raymond is no exception. It is the site of the Second Judicial District of Hinds County, Mississippi, and is home to one of the most magnificent courthouses in America.

Built from 1857-1859, it is recognized by the Smithsonian as one of the ten most perfect examples of Southern architecture.

One of the reasons I love small towns is because everywhere you look, there's lagniappe ... like this beautiful verbena plant I spotted, in all its glory, just sitting on the side of a hill downtown ...

A photo tour of Raymond would not be complete without including some of its historical churches and old homes. Across the street from the courthouse is the quaint St. Marks Episcopal Church, the oldest church structure in Raymond (circa 1854).

It was used as a hospital during the Civil War and I understand that bloodstains are still visible today on the old pine floors.

I love its red doors and the narrow cathedral-style windows ...

My favorite architectural feature of the church, however, is its unique old steeple. To me, its simplicity and grace are truly awe-inspiring ...

As you can tell from my new header photo, I loved the old bell in the churchyard, too ...

Although, from a photographer's point of view, its chipped and peeling paint add character ... for the sake of its preservation, the church is getting a face lift. I don't envy this guy's job ...

Just up the street from St. Marks is The Immaculate Conception Catholic Church. Built in 1885, the church is well known for its architectural beauty and is mentioned in the National Register of Historic Places.

I love these old cedar trees growing alongside the church. It's no telling how old they are, and... oh, the stories they could probably tell! Do you ever wish that old trees could talk?

And with that thought, I'm going to end the first chapter of my story of "a town called Raymond." I hope you will return for Part II, which will feature some of the beautiful old homes, more "lagniappe" photos, and a somber visit to the old "Confederate Dead" Cemetery on the outskirts of Raymond.

Thank you for joining me for "the rest of the story" about my recent visit to "a place called Raymond." If you haven't read Part I, you might want to scroll down or click here to read it first.

I'd like to begin with pictures of a few of the old houses in Raymond, the first of which is the restored Porter House.

Originally constructed in the late 1820s or early 1830s, the house was moved from its original location and lovingly and painstakingly restored. Today, it is also called "Cedarwood," and serves as a lovely Bed and Breakfast.

Next door to Cedarwood, is the Gillespie House. Built around the turn-of-the century, it is a classic example of Victorian architecture ...

I know I shouldn't, but I covet this rocking bench!

The backyard of the Gillespie House is reminiscent of the backyards found within the pages of an old Eudora Welty novel ...

Don't you just love those old clothesline poles with the trellises embellishing them!

I didn't have to drive far to find more "lagniappe" in the form of these pretty little birdhouses and unique weather vane. A lot of imagination and talent went into their creation ...

There are so many lovely houses in Raymond, but these in particular caught my eye ...

The "Blue Victorian Cottage"

The "Blue Victorian Cottage" is located near the abandoned "Little J" railroad line. Since the advent of Victorian architecture corresponded with the popularity of the railroad system in America, many of the Victorian homes, such as the Blue Victorian Cottage, were located along the railroad tracks.

In “times gone by,” former residents of the Blue Victorian Cottage could hear the whistle of the train as it rounded the bend and prepared for its stop at the Raymond Depot.

I love the wide veranda on this beautiful house ...

This house is gorgeous, and the elegant fence and gate just add to its perfection ...

Dogwoods and azaleas were in full bloom all over town ...

There was one more stop I wanted to make before I headed home -- the Confederate Cemetery south of town.

The Battle of Raymond was fought by Confederate and Union soldiers near Raymond on May 12, 1863, as part of General Ulysses S. Grant's Vicksburg Campaign during the Civil War. The Confederate Cemetery is the final resting place of 140 soldiers mortally wounded in that battle.

In 1985, an effort was initiated to identify the Confederate dead of the Battle of Raymond. A total of 109 were found, based upon the Compiled Service Records of Confederate Soldiers in the National Archives, to have been killed or mortally wounded on the Raymond battlefield (the Union dead at Raymond were removed after the war by the federal government and re-interred in the National Cemetery at Vicksburg). 

This concludes my photo tour of Raymond, and I hope you enjoyed hearing about it and seeing it through then lens of my camera as much as I did. I always learn something new about the places I visit on my photo shoots, even though I've passed through them many times before.  Raymond is truly a  remarkable town and I look forward to returning soon.