National Register Listing

Holmes County Courthouse Complex

Court Sq., Lexington, MS
Local significance of the district:
Architecture; Social History; Politics/government

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1994.

The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.

law courthouses buildings
Mississippi was the 20th state to join the Union, admitted on December 10, 1817.
Mississippi random facts
Holmes County, Mississippi, located in the central part of the state, has a rich and diverse history that dates back to prehistoric times. The area was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Choctaw and Chickasaw, who utilized the fertile lands for agriculture and hunting.

European explorers, such as Hernando de Soto, arrived in the area in the 16th century, establishing contact with the Native American populations. However, it wasn't until the 19th century that Holmes County was officially settled by European Americans. The region became a hub for cotton production, with wealthy plantation owners implementing slave labor to cultivate the land.

During the American Civil War, Holmes County, like many other southern regions, was heavily impacted by the conflict. The area saw military engagements and suffered significant economic and social disruptions as a result.

In the post-war period, Holmes County experienced a slow recovery and faced numerous challenges, such as the devastation caused by the Great Mississippi Flood of 1927 and the economic struggles of the Great Depression. However, the resilience of the community allowed for progress in the mid-20th century, including improvements in infrastructure, educational opportunities, and civil rights.

Today, Holmes County continues to be predominantly rural with agriculture playing a significant role in the local economy. Efforts are being made to preserve and celebrate the area's history, including the establishment of museums and historical sites. The community remains vibrant and proud of its heritage, working toward a prosperous future while appreciating its past.

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

  • 1833 - Holmes County is founded and named after Major General David Holmes, the first nonindigenous governor of Mississippi.
  • 1846 - Lexington becomes the county seat of Holmes County.
  • 1861-1865 - Holmes County experiences significant impact during the American Civil War as it becomes a main path of Union General William T. Sherman's famous "March to the Sea."
  • 1868 - Construction of the first courthouse in Lexington.
  • 1877 - The Yazoo and Mississippi Valley Railroad reaches Holmes County, bringing significant economic development to the area.
  • 1895 - The town of Tchula is incorporated.
  • 1898 - Holmes County Agricultural High School is established, later becoming Holmes County Community College.
  • 1908 - The town of Durant is incorporated.
  • 1943 - The Mississippi Rehabilitation Center is established in Holmes County.
  • 2007 - The Holmes County State Park opens to the public, offering outdoor recreational activities.