Raymond Byway

Grand Gulf–Raymond Designated Mississippi’s First Scenic Byway
by Parker Hills

     The journey to create Mississippi’s first scenic byway began when Friends of the Vicksburg Campaign and Historic Trail Inc., in cooperation with Friends of Raymond, finalized the Plan for the Vicksburg Campaign Corridor last summer, and a few months later, in October 2003, initiated the documentation for the Grand Gulf – Raymond Scenic Byway. The byway plan was briefed to the public and the Mississippi Scenic Byway Commission. After negotiating its way through the legislative process, the plan was signed into law by Governor Barbour in April 2004 establishing Mississippi’s first scenic byway.
     The Grand Gulf – Raymond Scenic Byway is a marvelous drive into Mississippi’s past. This historic road runs from Grand Gulf Military Monument on the Mississippi River along historic Back Grand Gulf Road to Fraiser Road to Y-Camp Road and then to the Ingleside-Karnac Ferry Road that runs through the community of Ingleside to modem Hwy 61. One half mile north on Hwy 61 the historic road continues eastward on Willows Road to the community of Willows, and then follows the Old Port Gibson Road northeastward to the Raymond Military Park at the City of Raymond.

     The new byway is a corridor linking a variety of natural, historic, scenic, and cultural activities and points of interest. The regional history distinguishes the area as a storyboard for several cultures. With proper planning, interpretation, and marketing, these stories will serve as a primary attraction for visitors. Heritage trail advocates, such as the National Trust for Historic Preservation, have repeatedly expressed their desire that economic development be the premise for formulating an interpretive plan that promotes, yet preserves, the region's valuable resources.
     This development of a heritage corridor, or trail, offers travelers an interpreted progression along historic roads presenting the many facets of the region's history. The undeveloped environs and original road patterns offer rare and ample opportunities for ecological and heritage based tourism. The corridor’s resemblance to its 19^th century condition can foster, for visitors of all knowledge levels, a better understanding of the logistical and tactical challenges faced by Indians, explorers, missionaries, settlers, travelers, and troops.
     This virtually pristine and scenic 50-mile byway begins and ends at military parks; travels through magnificent Mississippi countryside; and is replete with sites to interpret Mississippi history. This road offers a tremendous opportunity for tourism with a minimum investment under the simple premise that people want to see the sights. The scenery and history that is embodied along this road could be the catalyst that brings new life through tourism dollars, with minimal disturbance, to northern Claiborne and western Hinds County.
     The road is a connection not only between two military parks, but also between the cities of Port Gibson and Raymond, both of which are committed to historic, cultural, and scenic preservation. This virtually pristine bracelet of historic sites is a pleasure to drive due to its lack of development and magnificent Mississippi scenery.