Historical Marker

Athens

Marker installed: 1956
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.

In 1963, civil rights activist Medgar Evers was assassinated outside his home in Jackson, Mississippi. His killer, Byron De La Beckwith, was not convicted until 1994.
Mississippi random facts
Monroe County, Mississippi has a rich history that dates back thousands of years. The area was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, such as the Chickasaw and Choctaw peoples, who relied on the abundant natural resources for their survival. European explorers, including Hernando de Soto, arrived in the region in the late 16th century, marking the beginning of European influence in the area.

In the early 19th century, white settlers began to establish communities in what is now Monroe County. It was officially formed in February 1836 and was named in honor of President James Monroe. The county's economy was initially built on agriculture, with cotton becoming the primary crop. Large plantations were established, relying heavily on slave labor.

The Civil War had a significant impact on Monroe County, as it did on much of the South. The area witnessed several battles and skirmishes, including the Battle of Amory in 1864. The war left a lasting impact on the county, leading to a decline in agricultural production and economic hardship.

In the post-war period, Monroe County gradually transitioned to a more diversified economy. Manufacturing and industry began to emerge, and the county experienced growth in the early 20th century. Today, Monroe County is a thriving community with a mix of agriculture, manufacturing, and service industries, while also preserving its historical and cultural heritage.

This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Monroe County, Mississippi.

  • 1821: Monroe County established and named after President James Monroe
  • 1836: Multiple Native American tribes forcibly removed from the area in the aftermath of the Treaty of Pontotoc Creek
  • 1850s: Agriculture-based economy thrives with cotton as the primary crop and slave labor employed
  • 1861-1865: Monroe County heavily impacted by the American Civil War, with battles fought in surrounding areas
  • 1870s: Reconstruction period brings political and social changes to the county
  • Early 1900s: The county experiences growth in industries such as lumber, textiles, and agriculture
  • 1930s: Great Depression cripples the local economy; many residents struggle to find work
  • Late 1900s: Technological advancements lead to changes in the agriculture industry
  • 2000s: Monroe County gradually shifts from agriculture-based economy to a more diverse economy, including manufacturing and healthcare sectors