Historical Marker

Edward C. Walthall

Marker provided by: Mississippi Department of Archives and History.

Since 1949 the State Historical Marker program has identified and interpreted historic sites across Mississippi. More than one thousand markers can be found near buildings, battlefields, cemeteries, churches, temples, forts, homes, schools, and abandoned towns.

For tourists the markers may be their only glimpses into the state’s rich and varied history. For Mississippi communities the markers can be points of pride that memorialize locally important people and events.

State Historical Markers are privately sponsored and funded. Anyone may sponsor a marker. To qualify a site must have unique historical significance to the local community, the state, or the nation.

The state has a diverse population that includes Native American tribes such as the Choctaw and Chickasaw, as well as African Americans, European Americans, and Hispanic Americans.
Mississippi random facts
Grenada County, Mississippi has a rich and diverse history that spans several centuries. The area was originally inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Choctaw and Chickasaw, who lived off the land and cultivated crops. European explorers arrived in the 16th century, with the area falling under Spanish control briefly before being ceded to the French.

In the early 1800s, Grenada County was established as one of the original counties of the Mississippi Territory. With the arrival of settlers from the eastern United States, the region saw significant agricultural development, particularly in cotton production. The county's economy relied heavily on the labor of enslaved African Americans, who were brought in to work on the plantations.

During the American Civil War, Grenada County experienced intense conflict and devastation. The county was positioned along the strategic Confederate supply line known as the Grenada Railway, which led to several skirmishes and raids from Union forces. In 1863, the city of Grenada was even burned by Union troops, resulting in the destruction of numerous homes and businesses.

In the post-war era, Grenada County worked to rebuild and transition into a more diversified economy. The arrival of railroads in the late 19th century facilitated the growth of the timber industry, along with other sectors such as manufacturing and trade. Today, Grenada County continues to develop and adapt, while preserving its historical heritage and cultural traditions.

This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Grenada County, Mississippi.

  • 1805: Grenada County is initially established as an administrative district of the Mississippi Territory.
  • 1836: The county is officially organized and named after the Spanish city of Granada.
  • 1850: The population of Grenada County reaches over 5,000.
  • 1861-1865: Grenada County, along with the rest of Mississippi, becomes part of the Confederacy during the American Civil War.
  • 1872: The city of Grenada, the county seat, is incorporated.
  • 1882: The Illinois Central Railroad is completed, bringing economic growth and development to Grenada County.
  • 1906: The Grenada County Courthouse, a neoclassical building, is constructed in Grenada.
  • 1960s: The Civil Rights Movement impacts Grenada County, including protests and voter registration drives.
  • 1966: Grenada Lake, a man-made reservoir, is completed, providing recreational opportunities for residents and visitors.
  • 1984: The county suffers severe damage from an F4 tornado, resulting in loss of life and destruction of property.
  • 2000s: Grenada County experiences industrial and business growth in sectors such as manufacturing and agriculture.