February 27, 2019. Madison, Mississippi. Kosciusko.

Kosciusko has the most unusual name for a Mississippi town. Once upon a time, the name was Redbud Springs but when it became the county seat, the name was changed to honor the Polish General and engineer who worked with General Washington during the Revolutionary War. But the town is old as it sits on the old Natchez Trace. The only things at that time were a blacksmith and a tavern. But no more. The place is buzzing. The Court House is imposing, sitting in the center of the town square. The 6 tall Corinthian pillars are impressive. We walked around the square and found only two empty stores. And the sidewalks are level and made of brick. We ate at a wonderful restaurant on the square. The building was old but the place was new, spotlessly clean and attractive. By the time we left, the place was full. We did well to eat an early lunch. The town boasts 24 homes built prior to the Civil War. Why it was never burned I do not know, but they are all there in all their glory. No derelict homes in this town. Many early 20th C homes too, all of brick. And all impressive. We aimlessly drove the neighborhoods, just looking. But the biggest surprise was the amount of business along highway 12, which is just out of town. The town center seemed to be flourishing but the growth along the highway was more impressive. This is a common pattern with old towns. The day was glorious with alternating sun and cloud. But the trees were in bloom. We must have seen 100 trees in full bloom. We drove minor highways past farms and little towns. Candy for the eyes. Both Kashina and I enjoyed our excursion to Kosciusko.