Holmes County Mississippi – Land of my Maternal Roots
David
Holmes, a U. S. Representative from Virginia, was appointed the fourth and
final governor of the Mississippi Territory in 1808 by President Thomas
Jefferson. During his tenure, Jefferson College opened in Washington,
Mississippi, the territorial capital. The Mississippi Territory at that time
included both of the present-day states of Mississippi and Alabama. In 1816,
Congress decided to divide the territory into two states. The western half
would become the state of Mississippi. The constitutional convention was held
in Washington, Mississippi, in 1817. David Holmes served as president of the
convention and was elected the first governor of the new state. Natchez was
made the state capital. Holmes served one term as governor, during which time
the judicial system was established and the legislature organized. Holmes was
appointed to the U. S. Senate in 1820, where he served until being re-elected
governor in 1825. Holmes County, Mississippi, is named in his honor.
