Delta Plantations - The Beginning

In 1820, the Treaty of Doak's Stand opened up part of a vast area of Mississippi, now called the Delta, to settlers. Up until 1830 the Choctaw's occupied the area and white men rarely ventured into it. In fact, it seems it was avoided as travelers would stay to the east, traveling on the Natchez Trace and other roads located in the southwestern hills of Mississippi. The Delta was considered an uninhabitable swamp that was practically impenetrable due to the vast forests, thick cane and swamps. This book is about the families that first took on the area called the Swamp; and carved out the first plantations; all the while enduring hardships and setbacks. These early planters laid the foundation for following generations, turning the swamp into an agricultural gold mine and creating the mystique and unique sense of place called the Delta.