Simpson County, Mississippi

Simpson County Cities, Towns & Places

D’Lo, Mississippi, located in northern Simpson County along the Strong River, is a small but historically rich community shaped by Native American settlement, frontier homesteads, timber industry expansion, hydropower innovation, and wartime service. Long before European settlers arrived, the Choctaw Nation lived throughout the Strong River valley, using the river for water, game, and travel through the pine forests. By the early 1800s, white settlers began establishing farms, mills, and churches along the river, forming the foundations of what would become D’Lo. The town’s unusual name is thought to have originated from the old pronunciation “De-Low,” meaning “the low place on the Strong River,” though other local traditions reference shortened forms such as “D’Lo River” or “D’Low’s Mill.” Regardless of its exact origin, the name has been distinctive and memorable since the 19th century.

D’Lo underwent its greatest transformation in the early 1900s with the rise of the lumber industry. The Finkbine Lumber Company, later known as Finkbine-Guild, established major operations in the area, taking advantage of the region’s extensive longleaf pine resources, reliable river flow, and expanding rail networks. At the height of the timber boom, D’Lo grew to a population of roughly 4,000, far larger than it is today. The company built homes, a store, machine shops, a hospital, and recreational facilities, turning D’Lo into one of Mississippi’s major lumber towns.

During this same period, the Strong River became the site of an important hydroelectric development: the D’Lo water plant and dam, constructed in the 1920s. This hydroelectric system powered local industries and provided electricity for D’Lo and surrounding communities, making the town one of the earliest small municipalities in Mississippi with its own power generation. The remains of the dam and power plant are now part of D'Lo Water Park, a popular recreational site.

D’Lo also played a notable role during World War II. The town gained national attention when one-fifth of its population enlisted in the armed forces, earning D’Lo the nickname “The Town That Went to War.” Newspapers and reporters highlighted the community’s extraordinary level of service. However, after the great stands of longleaf pine were harvested and the Finkbine-Guild mill closed in the 1920s and 1930s, the town entered a period of economic decline. Many residents moved away for work, and D’Lo gradually transitioned into a quieter rural community supported by small farms, local businesses, and employment in nearby towns such as Mendenhall, Magee, and Jackson.

In more recent decades, D’Lo has reappeared in national awareness. Scenes from the movie "O Brother, Where Art Thou?" were filmed at D’Lo Water Park, and the town was featured on the TV series "Small Town, Big Deal," which showcased its unique heritage and sense of community pride. Today, D’Lo remains a peaceful town known for its scenic Strong River views, its historic hydropower structures, its early timber heritage, and its remarkable World War II enlistment record. While far smaller than in its industrial heyday, D’Lo’s history remains unusually rich for such a small Mississippi town, and its identity continues to reflect the landscape and legacy of the Strong River itself.

D'Lo is located at the intersection of Simpson County Hwy 149, State Hwy 540 and US Hwy 49 about 26 miles southeast of Jackson and 2 miles northwest of Mendenhall.