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16 Indian Trading Post

Indian Trading Post

Bell’s Crossroads

Robert Bell (1783-1835) opened Bell’s Crossroads, Hinds County’s first dry goods trading post, in 1823. The store was located a mile north of Mount Salus (present day Clinton) at the junction of the Natchez Trace and Old Vicksburg Road, a military road from Jackson to Vicksburg. Bell started the first grist mill in the county, and his trading post and grist mill attracted customers traveling the Natchez Trace and farmers from Madison and Hinds County.

When Robert Bell passed in 1835, he willed Vincent, his Native American slave, his freedom and $100.

  • 1
    Begin at the Pleasant Green Missionary Baptist Church marker.
  • 2
    Proceed by vehicle approximately 1/2 mile to the intersection of Lakeview Street and Clinton Blvd.
  • 3
    Turn left and proceed south for 1.5 miles to Old Vicksburg Road.
  • 4
    At the intersection, turn left and go west to follow the street to the intersection of Old Vicksburg Road and Northside Drive.
  • 5
    Marker is on the southeast corner of the intersection.