Jackson,MS Mill and Captiol Street Mississippi history ...

 

The intersection of Mill Street and West Capitol Street is one of the most historically significant crossroads in Jackson, Mississippi. For over a century, this area served as the bustling gateway to the city, bridging the gap between Jackson's major transportation hub (the railroad) and its political and commercial center.

Here is a breakdown of the history captured in this mid-century view:

1. The Gateway to Jackson (The Railroad Connection)

Mill Street runs directly alongside the railroad tracks where Union Station sits. Because of this, the intersection of Mill and Capitol was the very first thing visitors saw when they stepped off the train in Jackson.

• In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, this corridor transformed from a muddy road into a dense, urban commercial hub.

• In the 1920s, the train tracks were elevated, and the Mill Street Viaduct was built, altering the landscape but keeping the area highly active.

2. The Hotel Edwards (Visible on the Right)

The large building dominating the right side of the photo is the Hotel Edwards (later renamed the King Edward Hotel). This site holds massive historical weight:

• Civil War Roots: The original hotel on this spot was called the Confederate House, which was burned down by Union troops during the Civil War.

• The Political Hub: Rebuilt in 1868 by Major R.O. Edwards and his sons, the "Edwards House" became the unofficial political headquarters of Mississippi. Governors lived there during mansion renovations, and legendary backroom political deals were made within its walls.

• The 1923 Renaissance: The grand, 12-story Beaux-Arts structure seen in your photo was opened in 1923. It featured a opulent lobby, a massive ballroom, and hosted legendary musicians and presidents (including William Howard Taft).

3. Mid-Century Boom on Capitol Street

3. Mid-Century Boom on Capitol Street

The photo captures West Capitol Street during its absolute peak as Mississippi’s premier shopping and dining district (likely around the 1940s or 1950s, judging by the vintage cars).

• Look closely at the left side, and you can spot awnings for local businesses, including a local cafeteria.

• Further down Capitol Street lay iconic Jackson fixtures like the Mayflower Cafe (open since 1935 and still operating today), big department stores like McRae’s, and thriving theaters.

4. Decline and Modern Rebirth

As suburban shopping malls grew in the 1970s, downtown Jackson suffered a steep decline. The King Edward Hotel closed its doors in 1967 and sat completely abandoned and boarded up for nearly 40 years, serving as a eerie monument to the city's past.

However, the story didn't end there:

• The King Edward Revival: In 2009, a massive $90 million historic restoration project breathed new life into the building. Today, it operates as a Hilton Garden Inn and luxury apartments.

• Union Market: The historic space tucked right under the Mill Street Viaduct next to the hotel has recently been reimagined into "Union Market," a trendy open-air community space featuring local food trucks, music, and pop-up vendor markets.