Save Port Gibson Mississippi
After many years of review and analysis the Mississippi Department of Transportation (MDOT) has decided to reconstruct US Highway 61 on historical Church Street in Port Gibson instead of locating it to the east of the town. This project will significantly impact those characteristics, such as the historical churches and homes, the mature trees, the pedestrian and bike access, that make Church Street such a special place. (visit http://www.portgibson.org/ and www.portgibsononthemississippi.com for more information) The MDOT is attempting to ignore federal laws by claiming it will build the project with only state funds and therefore the Department does not have to comply with National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act (Section 106). Ignoring the fact that the prior MDOT work was conducted under NEPA and Section 106 with federal dollars, the MDOT believes it does not have to satisfy the historical preservation concerns associated with a Church Street route. It has masked its efforts with numerous misleading explanations on why the Church Street route has been chosen. The Mississippi State Department of Archives and History has expressed its concerns to the MDOT. MDOT's independent engineers and consultants have stated in their reports that such a route would harm the very elements that make Church Street a historical treasure. Even MDOT Commissioner Dick Hall has publicly stated he is opposed to using Church Street and acknowledged that the MDOT was skirting NEPA and Section 106 by claiming it will only use state funds. During the recent public presentation the MDOT informed residents that the Church Street route is its final decision. The Port Gibson Heritage Trust along with the NAACP are pursuing all avenues, including legal, to save Church Street. The effort needs the support of everyone interested in historical preservation. If you have never visited Port Gibson please visit the web sites above to see the significant historical structures that will be impacted along with the entire tourism business associated with this unique town.
For more information please visit - www.portgibsonheritagetrust.org/
If you would like to send a written letter in support of our efforts please send them to the-
PORT GIBSON HERITAGE TRUST INC
PO BOX 751
Port Gibson, MS
39150-0751
We will be collecting all letters and petition information for presentation to the MDOT and other potential uses. Thank you.
After many years of review and analysis the Mississippi Department of Transportation (MDOT) has decided to reconstruct US Highway 61 on historical Church Street in Port Gibson instead of locating it to the east of the town. This project will significantly impact those characteristics, such as the historical churches and homes, the mature trees, the pedestrian and bike access, that make Church Street such a special place. (visit http://www.portgibson.org/ and www.portgibsononthemississippi.com for more information) The MDOT is attempting to ignore federal laws by claiming it will build the project with only state funds and therefore the Department does not have to comply with National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act (Section 106). Ignoring the fact that the prior MDOT work was conducted under NEPA and Section 106 with federal dollars, the MDOT believes it does not have to satisfy the historical preservation concerns associated with a Church Street route. It has masked its efforts with numerous misleading explanations on why the Church Street route has been chosen. The Mississippi State Department of Archives and History has expressed its concerns to the MDOT. MDOT's independent engineers and consultants have stated in their reports that such a route would harm the very elements that make Church Street a historical treasure. Even MDOT Commissioner Dick Hall has publicly stated he is opposed to using Church Street and acknowledged that the MDOT was skirting NEPA and Section 106 by claiming it will only use state funds. During the recent public presentation the MDOT informed residents that the Church Street route is its final decision. The Port Gibson Heritage Trust along with the NAACP are pursuing all avenues, including legal, to save Church Street. The effort needs the support of everyone interested in historical preservation. If you have never visited Port Gibson please visit the web sites above to see the significant historical structures that will be impacted along with the entire tourism business associated with this unique town.
For more information please visit - www.portgibsonheritagetrust.org/
If you would like to send a written letter in support of our efforts please send them to the-
PORT GIBSON HERITAGE TRUST INC
PO BOX 751
Port Gibson, MS
39150-0751
We will be collecting all letters and petition information for presentation to the MDOT and other potential uses. Thank you.
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Save Church Street!
The people in charge of MDOTD have the mentality that would also build a fast food resturant next to The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Washington D.C. The people in Port Gibson need to use all their political clout to stop this project. They have a lot of senior members in Congress. Use it. General Sherman spared Port Gibson from burning, now some "Bubba" in MDOT wants to destroy it all with bulldozers.
The Reverend Joseph Bullen, a pioneer of Mississippi, was my GGGGG Grandfather. I am proud of the work he did in establishing houses of worship in the Port Gibson, MS area, as well as in Jefferson County, MS, the site of his burial. It would be criminal to disturb historic Church Street in Port Gibson with an "improved" highway, and I hope the people of Mississippi can see to it that Church Street is not ruined.
Having recently visiting Port Gipson, I was very impressed with the historical character of Church Street. It would be a shame to destroy this with the planned highway.
To many in Mississippi and throughout the country , this one street "IS" Port Gibson - it is the Icon of history and heritage - to alter it would be to alter the history of the area and thus Mississippi.
As a resident of Los Angeles and a frequent visitor to Port Gibson, I can only warn of what will occur to Church Street if it is widened to accomodate an army of constant large trucks with diesel fumes. Not only will the historical buildings immediately accelerate in decomposition, but the town of Port Gibson will quickly devolve into a dirty, cheap looking conglomeration of parasitic growths that will ultimately make Port Gibson devoid of any redeeming qualities, let alone charm! Don't think it can't happen. Explore other routes around Church Street. Why destroy a beautiful American city especially when our dependency on oil will soon be changing how all business is done. Be foresighted and look to the future.
This afternoon was my first time through Port Gibson. Church Street is so beautiful and charming. I was stunned by all the "Save Church Street" signs and police tape around the live oaks, so did a Google search when I arrived home this evening and read the story and found your petition. I hope it works! What they're proposing seems a pointless and shameful mistake.
I am a fifth great grandson of the Rev. Mr. Joseph Bullen, one of the founders of the Mississippi Presbytery of the Presbyterian Church.
PLease, I thought the era of Robert Moses was finally over...
Hi: For years I have been traveling through the United States, mostly in the South, from home to New Orleans. We have been taking Route 61 for years from Natchez to Baton Rouge. Unfortunately we never travelled from Natchez to Vicksburg, but we did this year. We saw all of your signs regarding Church Street and when we got back I just had to look it up and found this site. I want to put my name on your petition list to SAVE Church Street. Port Gibson has to be one of the most quintessential small Southern USA Towns I have ever encountered and it would be shame to have it marred in any way. I hope my signature and support helps the cause that you are so just in taking up. Kim Marotti
Driving through Port Gibson was both beautiful and charming. After seeing the Save Church signs, I was curious what was happening to the street. A highway never improved the beauty or morale of a community. I know because I-95 runs through Philly's waterfront and completely destroyed the place as a community. I hope for the best for people of Port Gibson!
I have been living in Port Gibson, ms for most of my life. I want church street to stay the same
I visited Port Gibson a week ago,and was very impresses by the beauty and historical significance of Church Street. In my opinion, it is an inane decision to alter it in any way if it is not absolutely necessary.
On my way through Mississippi on a road trip, we decided to stop in Port Gibson because we were told it was a beautiful place to visit. We were not disappointed. If the highway is built, this will be a lost treasure for the state of Mississippi.
We have visited beautiful Port Gibson, MS numerous times and are WOWED every time at the magnificent history! To alter the city in any way would be sacriligious! Please leave it untouched!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I spent the best part of my life growing up in Port Gibson. I lived there from 1954 until 1970. My fondest memories are planted right in the middle of Church Street. I can attest to what my friend Mel has said about the road from the bridge to the top of CHA Hill. I have returned often and am still amazed by the beauty of Port Gibson and Church Street in particular. An Eastern By-pass is the only resolution to the need to finish the "Blues Highway," Highway 61. Do not spoil the life style that is tied to Church Street's beauty.
Church Street in Port Gibson is the life blood of the community. It is something that all its citizens can be proud of. Do not destroy their heart and soul.
This city is one of a kind and lovely! Build the bypass around it and save Church Street!
MDOT's plan to destroy the main thoroughfare through such a wonderful historic resource is beyond outrageous. Of course there should be a by-pass to save Church Street! That is a no-brainer.
Many of our historical treasures have been razed in the name of progress. No more. Please save this historic treasure for MS citizens and those to follow.
I am 66 yrs old,my grand parents lived in Woodville,Miss.I am in the highway building bussiness in Tn..and believe in good roads,but when Grant thought Port Gibson was too beautiful to burn,he was correct.I have been through your city many times,since early childhood, and it is too beautiful to destroy or damage any of the live oaks or beautiful church yards with any kind of disturbance,when they could bypass it with a 4-lane road around town.GOOD LUCK from a Tenn. Road Builder.
As a resident of Mandeville and Covington area in Louisiana, I can appreciate the struggle our towns are experiencing with PROGRESS?? I support Port Gibson 100%. Let us all preserve the history and charm of our towns.
For many years, my family traveled regularly from Louisiana, through Port Gibson, to the Jackson, Miss. area to visit relatives. By moonlight or day- light, the drive through that historic town was a sight our family looked forward to. In later years, we have chosen to make it a destination that brings back cherished memories of the anticipated first glimpse of the golden finger pointed heavenward from the Presbyterian Church steeple, the tree-lined street with its well-kept old homes, the signature kudzu "sculp- tured" natural landscape along the road as we approached. It has been a scene we shared with the younger generation, along with the stories of the good things about "Southern living" and values. I pray that progress can take another route through the area and not destroy all this legacy from a time worth remembering and pondering.
I grew up on Church Street in Port Gibson. I went to the Episcopal church on Church Street. I have attended services in all other churches on Church Street. I have been in just about every house on Church Street. Why would any sane government agent want to destroy the beauty and history of Church Street? Apparently, the answer is that the MDOT is INsane! Build a bypass and leave the gorgeous identity of this unique town alone.
I actually have been looking forward to visiting Port Gibson. I've never been there but have heard how beautiful an area it is. To expand the highway through such a quaint town seems to be ludicrous. Please reconsider.
THIS WOULD BE A TRUE TRAGEDY TO DESTORY SUCH A BEAUTIFUL HISTORIC SITE.
Port Gibson has such a wonderful "Old South" character. It has personal associations for me, as we passed down Church Street each time our family traveled from my childhood home in South Louisiana to visit at my grandparents' farm outside of Raymond, Mississippi, as I grew up. The famous steeple on Church Street was one of our landmarks on each trip. I have returned to Port Gibson more than once as an adult just because it is a place that retains its character and charm. I have also chosen to travel through Port Gibson on Church Street with my children to let them experience the same sense of place that I treasured. Please use an alternate route! History cannot easily be re-created. Sincerely, Marilyn M. Powers
I spent a couple hours Port Gibson in June, travelling from Natchez to Vicksburg. My friend and I wanted to see the town Grant deemed too beautiful to burn . . . as Sherman had burned our equally beautiful hometown in South Carolina. Indeed, Port Gibson IS a beautiful town – and if Grant could spare it, SURELY the MDOT can, too! We saw all the ‘Save Church Street’ signs, but only found out the issue after getting home and doing a Google search. Shame on the MDOT for even thinking about ruining one of the most picturesque small towns in the state – and cutting down all those trees lining the Church Street would indeed RUIN the town! A bypass is the only reasonable solution.
The MDOT should not be allowed to destroy this beautiful town.
Too beautiful to burn!
Many of my family members have traveled to Port Gipson to visit the graves of our ancestors..Rezin Bowie and John Moore. Elvie Anna Bowie Moore was an ancestor of ours who help build the Catholic church there. Please do not harm this beautiful street which has so much rich history. It is a gift to the future generations that we can never replace. It is priceless.
What is a MAIN Street with out the HISTORY behind it - and that includes the trees that have been there longer than many of us! I was down there a week ago and it horrified me that these trees would be taken down... why? It is already 4 lane - it is Port Gibson - a town to beautiful to burn - so it can make it thru the civil war - but if MDOT has its way - it is cutting down history and beauty! Can we not lay some asphalt somewhere else? I mean really people!
Even though I do not live in Port Gibson, I value the heritage of our state which includes trees and the tree canopy.
US Grant told Sherman Port Gibson was too beautiful to burn. Why is the Department of Transportation doing what even Sherman wouldn't do? I am a frequent Mississippi tourist and Port Gibson is always a stop - and along with Natchez and the Trace I consider it one of Mississippi's greatest treasures. Want tourists to use your new road? Don't destroy historical landmarks.
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As I travel to other states, I embrace how they preserve their history. Not so in Mississippi, buildings are torn down, trees are cut, streets are widened - all which destroy the very heritage that gives character and respect to a city, town or state. Why does Mississippi destroy her heritage, while others seek to preserve theirs? PLEASE, do NOT widened Church Street in Port Gibson. Let us keep Mississippi...let's preserve it for future generations. Developers can find another route...they just look for the one with least resistance...what do they care? NOTHING!
being from mississippi, i remember always traveling down church street. it needs to be saved. put the bypass somewhere else. thanks
I've been visiting Port Gibson since childhood, have studied it in Mississippi and Civil War history classes and well know it was too beautiful to be burned! Please do not destroy it now with this road project. I have been traveling Hwy. 98 from Hattiesburg, MS, to Mobile, AL, and Hwy. 84 from Brookhaven to Collins, MS, for 28 years and have witnessed the by-passing of such towns as Monticello, Silver Creek, McLain, Beaumont, etc. along those routes. Those towns were spared their small town main streets and senses of community by the heavy traffic that progress brought. They mostly had no extended historical properties past a few decades but were spared. Yet, Port Gibson with its history, beauty and value isn't to be by-passed? Shame!
Mississippi doesn't have a plethora of beautiful sights. We can't afford to lose a single one! Please don't ruin this gorgeous site.
It is absolute idiocy to widen the street when a bypass would be much more conducive to smooth traffic flow.
Don't you dare even think about it! Port Gibson has been a symbol of freedom, history, peace, and religion ever since the Civil War and even before, and most of the city's pride and beauty comes from the equisite Church Street. That street is a rare, unique, one-of-a-kind...you have religions of every walk featured on that street all working together in harmony...not to mention the residents and the beauty of nature! But if you go ahead with it anyway, oh well...I guess you wouldn't care if someone took a dozer and built a highway right in front of YOUR front yards...but I guess you don't really care about much of anything anyway, so why should that come as a surprise...
