Jefferson Davis County, MississippiA Proud Part of the Mississippi GenWeb!
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State Coordinator: Jeff Kemp
County Coordinator: Gerry Westmoreland
Jefferson Davis County, Mississippi, is a small but historically significant county in the southern part of the state. Established on May 9, 1906, it was formed from parts of Covington and Lawrence counties. The county was named after Jefferson Davis, the only president of the Confederate States of America, reflecting the region’s deep ties to the Civil War era and Southern heritage.
Early History and Settlement
Before European settlement, the area that would become Jefferson Davis County was home to Native American tribes, primarily the Choctaw people. European settlers, mostly of English, Scottish, and Irish descent, arrived in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. The fertile soil and abundance of timber made it an attractive location for agriculture and logging.
Antebellum Period and Civil War
During the early 19th century, agriculture, particularly cotton farming, dominated the local economy. Like much of Mississippi, the plantation system relied on enslaved labor. The Civil War had a profound impact on the region, as many men from the area enlisted in the Confederate Army. The county’s namesake, Jefferson Davis, was a significant figure in the war, serving as the leader of the Confederacy.
Post-Civil War and Reconstruction
After the Civil War, the Reconstruction era brought significant economic and social upheaval. Many former plantations declined, and sharecropping became a common practice among both Black and white farmers. Racial tensions were high during this period, as the local economy struggled to transition from a reliance on slave labor to a system of wage labor.
County Formation in 1906
By the early 20th century, residents in parts of Covington and Lawrence counties pushed for the creation of a new county to better serve their communities. Jefferson Davis County was officially established in 1906, with Prentiss designated as the county seat. The formation of the county allowed for better governance and infrastructure development, including the construction of roads and public buildings.
20th Century Development
Throughout the 20th century, the county’s economy remained largely agricultural, with cotton, corn, and timber serving as major industries. The Great Depression of the 1930s hit the area hard, leading to widespread poverty. However, New Deal programs helped provide some economic relief and modernized parts of the county’s infrastructure.
During the Civil Rights Movement of the 1950s and 1960s, racial tensions in Jefferson Davis County, like much of the South, were high. Efforts to desegregate schools and public spaces met resistance, but progress was made over time.
Today...
Today, Jefferson Davis County remains a predominantly rural area with a strong agricultural base. Timber and poultry farming have become major industries, and the county maintains a close-knit community atmosphere. Historical landmarks, such as the Jefferson Davis Museum and the Longleaf Trace (a former railroad converted into a recreational trail), help preserve the county’s history and attract visitors.
Though small in population, Jefferson Davis County reflects the broader historical trends of Mississippi and the American South, shaped by Native American heritage, European settlement, the Civil War, Reconstruction, and the ongoing evolution of its economy and culture.
