Thirty-First Parallel

The line was agreed before anyone surveyed it. Thomas Pinckney and Manuel de Godoy signed the treaty at San Lorenzo de El Escorial on October 27, 1795, and Spain gave up its claim to the land north of the 31st parallel. The same agreement opened the Mississippi to both nations and let Americans ship goods through New Orleans. It also placed Choctaw and Chickasaw country inside the new U.S. boundary. Andrew Ellicott led the American survey that marked the line, and in 1798 Congress organized the Mississippi Territory with Natchez as its capital.

Where it stands

More markers nearby

• Roncal — 1.6 mi
• Camp Moore #5 — 6.8 mi
• Camp Moore #6 — 6.8 mi
• Camp Moore — 6.8 mi