Hinds County is a county located in the central part of the U.S. state of Mississippi. With a population of over 245,000 residents, it is the most populous county in the state. The county seat is Jackson, the state capital. Hinds County is steeped in history and has played a significant role in Mississippi's past. Here are seven interesting facts about Hinds County's history:
1. Hinds County was established in 1821 and was named after Thomas Hinds, a hero of the Battle of New Orleans during the War of 1812.
2. Jackson, the state capital, was founded in 1822 and was named after General Andrew Jackson, who later became the seventh U.S. President.
3. During the Civil War, Hinds County saw its fair share of fighting and was a key location of the Vicksburg Campaign. Union forces led by General William T. Sherman captured Jackson in 1863 and burned much of the city.
4. The Mississippi State Capitol building in Jackson was originally built in 1903 and is modeled after the U.S. Capitol in Washington D.C. It is the second-tallest capitol building in the United States, standing at 180 feet tall.
5. Hinds County was also a hub for civil rights activity in the 1950s and 1960s. In 1961, the Freedom Riders, a group of civil rights activists, were arrested and held at the Hinds County Jail in Jackson.
6. The Jackson State University shooting occurred on May 15, 1970, when Mississippi law enforcement officers opened fire on a group of students at Jackson State University. Two young African-American men were killed, and twelve others were injured.
7. Hinds County is home to several historic landmarks, including the Eudora Welty House and Garden, the Old Capitol Museum, and the Mississippi Civil Rights Museum. These landmarks provide a glimpse into the history and culture of the county and the state as a whole.
In conclusion, Hinds County has a rich and complex history that has shaped Mississippi and the country as a whole. From its role in the Civil War to its significance in the civil rights movement, Hinds County has played a pivotal role in shaping the course of American history.
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