Clinton as the Capital

By Dr. Walter G. Howell John Peyton resigned his seat in the legislature after the 1829 session to devote his time to the development of the new county seat. He bought many of the lots donated by Raymond Robinson, sold some at a profit, and built a bank. He was a promoter of the railroad…

By Dr. Walter G. Howell When Clinton was considered for the state capital location in 1828, the name was more of an idea than a location. The town of Clinton would not be surveyed until 1829. The area had the “Mount Salus” home and the federal land office. Isaac Caldwell, attorney, had his law office…

By Dr. Walter G. Howell Clinton’s most cherished and enduring tradition is that of how Clinton lost becoming the state capital by one vote. It’s in the curriculum of the Clinton Public Schools, and the story was featured on Walt Grayson’s “Mississippi Scenes.” The one-vote loss is a tradition. A tradition is the transmission of…