Simpson County, MississippiA Proud Part of the Mississippi GenWeb!
Contact Us:
State Coordinator: Jeff Kemp
County Coordinator: Gerry Westmoreland
Simpson County, Mississippi, was established on January 23, 1824, and was named after Josiah Simpson, a judge and prominent political figure in early Mississippi history. The county, located in the south-central part of the state, has a rich past that reflects the broader history of Mississippi, including Native American heritage, early European settlement, economic development, and societal changes.
Early Inhabitants and Settlement
Before European settlers arrived, the region that became Simpson County was home to Native American tribes, including the Choctaw and Chickasaw. These indigenous peoples inhabited the land for centuries, engaging in agriculture, hunting, and trade. However, the early 19th century saw their displacement due to the encroachment of settlers and treaties like the Treaty of Dancing Rabbit Creek (1830), which led to the forced removal of the Choctaw people.
The first European settlers arrived in the early 1800s, primarily from other Southern states such as Georgia, Alabama, and the Carolinas. These settlers, mostly of English, Scots-Irish, and French descent, sought fertile land for farming. The county’s early economy revolved around subsistence farming, with crops such as corn, cotton, and tobacco becoming primary staples.
Antebellum Period and Civil War
During the antebellum period, Simpson County remained largely rural and agricultural. Like much of Mississippi, it relied heavily on cotton cultivation, which was dependent on enslaved labor. The county’s economy and social structure were deeply tied to the institution of slavery.
When the Civil War broke out in 1861, many men from Simpson County joined Confederate regiments to fight in the war. The war brought devastation to the region, leading to economic decline and loss of life. After the Confederacy's defeat in 1865, the Reconstruction period saw significant social and political changes, including the emancipation of slaves and the integration of blacks into the political system, albeit briefly.
Post-Reconstruction and the Late 19th Century
Following Reconstruction, Simpson County, like much of the South, experienced political and economic turmoil. The rise of sharecropping and tenant farming replaced the old plantation system, keeping many blacks and poor white farmers in cycles of debt and poverty. The late 19th century also saw the growth of small towns such as Mendenhall and Magee, which later became economic and transportation hubs in the county.
20th Century Developments
In the early 20th century, Simpson County continued to be dominated by agriculture, but the advent of the railroad and improved transportation networks helped diversify the local economy. Timber and poultry farming became important industries, alongside traditional crops.
The Great Depression of the 1930s hit the region hard, leading to economic struggles and widespread poverty. However, New Deal programs provided some relief, including infrastructure projects that improved roads, schools, and public buildings in the county.
The Civil Rights Movement of the 1950s and 1960s also impacted Simpson County. Like much of Mississippi, the county was a site of racial tensions and struggles. Simpson County eventually made progress in education, political representation, and social equality.
Modern Era
Today, Simpson County is a blend of its historical agricultural roots and modern economic development. The county seat, Mendenhall, and the largest city, Magee, serve as economic and cultural centers. While agriculture remains an important industry, healthcare, manufacturing, and retail have also grown. The county is known for its rich Southern heritage, hospitality, and strong community values.
Simpson County continues to preserve its history through local museums, historical societies, and landmarks that tell the story of its past. The region remains a vital part of Mississippi’s cultural and economic landscape, balancing tradition with progress.
