Cowles Mead Cemetery, Milepost 88.1

A visitor reads the graves at Cowles Mead Cemetery at Milepost 88.1 on the Natchez Trace Parkway.

NPS Photo

Quick Facts

Location:

Natchez Trace Parkway, Milepost 88.1 near Clinton, MS

Significance:

Historic Stand Site

Amenities

4 listed

Historical/Interpretive Information/Exhibits, Parking - Auto, Parking - Bus/RV, Wheelchair Accessible

Cowles (pronounced Coals) Mead left his mark on the country, the Mississippi Territory, and the land on which he now buried. Mead settled here and assumed the duties of Territorial Secretary of the Mississippi Territory January 20, 1806, appointed by President Thomas Jefferson. In the absence of Territorial Governor Robert Williams, Mead served a brief tenure as acting Territorial Governor. During this tenure, Aaron Burr came to the Mississippi Territory on January 10, 1807. Burr had recently been involved in the duel in which he killed Alexander Hamilton. When Cowles Mead learned of Burr's presence in the territory, he made plans to capture him. In order to avoid extradition, Burr surrendered to Mississippi officials in exchange for a guaranteed trial in the territory. Burr’s bound was established at $10,000, and Mead ordered the arrest of anyone that appeared hostile toward the Government's views or favorable to Aaron Burr 

Cowles Mead’s home, called “Greenwood,” was located here, a mile northwest of Clinton in Hinds County, set in a lawn of fifty acres of Bermuda grass, which he is believed to have introduced into the United States.  He was an enthusiastic gardener, and proudly entertained distinguished guests amongst the well landscaped grounds. After his death, the home was destroyed in a fire in 1863.