Historical Marker

Ensign William Devotie Billingsley

Marker installed: 2011
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.

Mississippi is home to several historically black colleges and universities, including Jackson State University, Alcorn State University, and Mississippi Valley State University.
Mississippi random facts
Montgomery County, MS has a rich history that dates back to the early 19th century. The area was originally inhabited by the Choctaw Native Americans until the Treaty of Dancing Rabbit Creek was signed in 1830, which led to the forced removal of the Choctaw from their lands. Shortly after, European settlers began to move into the area, primarily farmers who were drawn to the fertile land.

In 1871, Montgomery County was officially established and named after Richard Montgomery, an American Revolutionary War general. It quickly became an important agricultural hub, known for its cotton and timber industries. The county was also an active participant in the Civil Rights Movement, with several local residents playing key roles in fighting for equal rights and desegregation.

During the mid-20th century, Montgomery County faced the challenges associated with rural depopulation and economic decline. The decline in agriculture led to a decrease in population as younger generations moved to urban areas in search of better opportunities. However, the county has made efforts to diversify its economy by attracting manufacturing and service industries in recent years.

Today, Montgomery County continues to honor its history and heritage through various community events and preservation efforts. The county is home to several historical sites, including the Old Winona Cemetery and the Montgomery County Courthouse. Despite its past struggles, Montgomery County remains a resilient community that embraces its roots while striving for a prosperous future.

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

  • 1811 - Montgomery County is established and named after General Richard Montgomery.
  • 1833 - The first courthouse in Montgomery County is built in the town of Montgomeryville.
  • 1849 - The county seat is moved to the town of Middleton.
  • 1871 - The county seat is moved again, this time to the town of Winona.
  • 1874 - The first railroad is built in Montgomery County, boosting economic growth.
  • 1930s - Cotton becomes the dominant crop in the county, leading to increased prosperity.
  • 1943 - Camp McCain, a prisoner of war facility, is established during World War II.
  • 1960s - Montgomery County becomes a center for civil rights activism.
  • 1990s - The county experiences population decline and economic challenges.