MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE

1998 Regular Session

To: Rules

By: Senator(s) Dearing, Johnson (38th)

Senate Concurrent Resolution 600

(As Adopted by Senate and House)

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION COMMEMORATING THE BICENTENNIAL CELEBRATION OF THE TRANSFER OF CONTROL OF THE CITY OF NATCHEZ FROM SPAIN TO THE UNITED STATES. 

WHEREAS, Natchez, Mississippi, will celebrate its bicentennial in style in March with parades, historical reenactors and foreign and domestic dignitaries; and

WHEREAS, on March 30, 1798, the crimson and gold banner of Spain's colors was lowered for the last time from Natchez as the Spanish peacefully evacuated Fort Panmure, officially transferring claim to the Natchez District to the United States, a most significant event in the history of our country; and

WHEREAS, 200 years later, Natchez will commemorate the occasion with a 4-day celebration of the town's history that will include dedicating two historical stone markers--one on the bluffs in Natchez honoring the Spanish era in the city and one at the foot of the Mississippi River Bridge in Vidalia honoring Don Jose Vidal; and

WHEREAS, Natchez was created under Spanish law when Governor Gayoso laid out the town by providing a zoning law that preserved the "commons" along the bluff, adorned with pleasant trees and a magnificent view of the river; and

WHEREAS, scheduled to attend the event are several honored guests, including Governor Kirk Fordice, Senator Thad Cochran, the Spanish Ambassador to the United States, Consul General Julio Albe and the Honor Guard from the King's Palace, and adding to the historical flavor of the celebration will be more than 100 reenactors who will portray different aspects of 18th and 19th century Natchez history and will reenact the raising of the American flag (which had 15 stars at the time) over Fort Panmure; and

WHEREAS, it is with great pride that we recognize the importance of the Spanish control of Natchez as a most significant and prosperous time in the history of our state and nation:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE MISSISSIPPI STATE SENATE, THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES CONCURRING THEREIN, That we do hereby commemorate the bicentennial celebration of the transfer of control of the City of Natchez from Spain to the United States as a most significant event in our state's history and congratulate the beautiful City of Natchez on the occasion of its bicentennial.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution be presented to the Mayor and Aldermen of the City of Natchez and be made available to the Capitol Press Corps.