Congress enacted a comprehensive land act confirming land claims by residents who held grants awarded by the Spanish and British. The act also established land offices and officers to award new grants and settle disputes.
Link to the catalogMarch 1803: Mississippians claim lands previously held by Spanish and British
Land grant to John Ford of Amite County, December 13, 1819
April 30, 1803: France and United States sign Louisiana Purchase
Governor Claiborne and General Wilkinson
France sold the United States the entire Louisiana colony, over 800,000 square miles, for $15 million. The United States gained the port city of New Orleans, which was critical for commerce.
Image: Departure of Governor W.C.C. Claiborne and General James Wilkinson from Fort Adams, Mississippi Territory, December 10, 1803, for New Orleans to receive the Louisiana Purchase.
December 1803: Mississippi Society for the Acquirement and Dissemination of Knowledge founded
Constitution of the Mississippi Society for the Acquirement and Dissemnation of Useful Knowledge
William Dunbar and others established a reading club for gentlemen to discuss science, agriculture, and other worthy topics.
Link to the catalog