(Written for The Meteor January 28, 2019)
The Copiah County Historical & Genealogical Society invites the public to a free presentation on Monday, February 4 at 6:30 p.m. Chancery Clerk Steve Amos will discuss Gallatin, the county’s first permanent seat of government. The meeting will take place in the chancery building behind the Copiah County Courthouse in Hazlehurst.
On January 23, 1824, the state legislature passed an act that stated that all the land in Copiah Count east of the Pearl River would be Simpson County. The act also stated that the county courts of each county would appoint commissioners who were to find the central location of each of their counties and locate a county seat within two miles of that location. The county seat for Copiah County was to be named Gallatin.
The commissioners were authorized to acquire land and lay out a town with streets at least 60 feet wide. Lots were to be formed and sold on credit of 12 months. Two acres of land were to be reserved in the center for public buildings. The funds from the sales of the lots were to be used to build a courthouse and as soon as it was completed court was to be held.
The town was laid out and in the center was the public square. The first courthouse was a wood structure which was eventually replaced by a brick building. When the railroad came through Hazlehurst in 1858, people began to leave Gallatin and eventually the county seat was moved to Hazlehurst in 1872.
Gallatin was a busy place before the railroad brought about its demise. There was enough business to have law offices, a newspaper, and the usual shops needed for a thriving town. Today, there are only a few houses and a historical marker to indicate the once bustling location of Gallatin.
Amos has studied Copiah County history for many years, acquiring bits of information of interest. Part of his quest is to locate a drawing of the original courthouse, but, unfortunately, one has never been found.
Amos will also open the records room for the meeting. Records of historical and genealogical value held by the chancery clerk include land records and probate records. However, there are several more, lesser known, records that may be of value, which Amos will explain. Join the historical society for a very informative meeting.
