Copiah County, Mississippi

Copiah County Cities, Towns & Places

---

Wesson, Mississippi, is a small town with a rich history tied to the rise and fall of the textile industry in the South. Located in Copiah and Lincoln counties, Wesson was established in the mid-19th century and became a thriving industrial hub during the late 1800s.

Wesson was founded in 1864 by Colonel James Madison Wesson, a businessman and industrialist. He established the Mississippi Manufacturing Company, a textile mill that would later be renamed the Mississippi Mills. The town quickly grew around this industry, attracting workers and their families.

After its founding, Wesson became a significant center for textile production. The Mississippi Mills, under the leadership of Wesson and later Captain William Oliver and J.T. Hardy, became one of the most advanced mills in the South. At its peak, the mill employed hundreds of workers and was known for producing high-quality "Wesson Jeans," a durable denim fabric. The town flourished, with schools, churches, and businesses emerging to support the growing community.

Despite its early success, the textile industry in Wesson began to decline in the late 19th and early 20th centuries due to economic changes and increased competition. By 1910, the Mississippi Mills had closed, leading to a downturn in the town’s prosperity. Many residents left in search of work elsewhere, and Wesson transitioned into a quieter, more rural community.

In the early 20th century, Wesson became known for its educational institutions. Copiah-Lincoln Community College (Co-Lin) was established in 1928 and remains an important institution for the town and surrounding region. Today, Wesson is a small, close-knit community with a strong emphasis on education and local heritage.

Despite the decline of its once-thriving textile industry, Wesson has maintained its historical charm. Many historic buildings still stand, and the town continues to celebrate its past while looking to the future. The annual Wesson Founders Day Festival highlights the town’s rich history and brings the community together.

Wesson is the home of the Copiah-Lincoln Community College Wolves.