Historical Marker

Mississippi Normal Institute

Marker installed: 2014
Marker provided by: Mississippi Department of Archives and History.

Founded in 1889 by Jasper Davis, the Mississippi Normal Institute opened on September 1, 1890, east of this site, with an initial enrollment of 75 students that gradually increased throughout the 1890s. At its height, the school boasted an enrollment of 300, attracting students from the local area as well as Texas Oklahoma, and Alabama. Consolidated with the local public school system in 1907, the school became known as Sherman School and served grades one through twelve until it closed in May 1964

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 name "Mississippi" comes from the Ojibwe word "misi-ziibi," which means "Great River."
Mississippi random facts
Pontotoc 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. European exploration and colonization began in the late 18th century, with French and Spanish explorers venturing into the region. In 1836, the Treaty of Pontotoc Creek was signed, ceding the land to the United States and paving the way for settlement.

The county was officially established in 1836 and named after the nearby Pontotoc Creek. It quickly became an agricultural hub, with cotton cultivation playing a significant role in the local economy. The arrival of the railroad in the 1850s further boosted the county's growth and prosperity.

During the Civil War, Pontotoc County, like many other parts of the South, was deeply affected by the conflict. The area saw several skirmishes and military operations, with both Confederate and Union troops present. The aftermath of the war brought challenges to the local economy, but the resilience of the community allowed for recovery and rebuilding.

Throughout the 20th century, Pontotoc County continued to evolve and diversify. Agriculture remained an essential industry, but other sectors also flourished, including manufacturing and healthcare. The county experienced population growth and expanded infrastructure, including the construction of schools, hospitals, and roads.

Today, Pontotoc County is a vibrant community that cherishes its history while embracing modern development. Its rich cultural heritage, strong sense of community, and diverse economy make it an appealing place to live, work, and visit.

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

  • 1836: Pontotoc County is formed out of lands ceded by the Chickasaw Nation in the Treaty of Pontotoc Creek.
  • 1837: The town of Pontotoc is established as the county seat.
  • 1842: The Pontotoc Female College is founded, becoming the first college for women in Mississippi.
  • 1861-1865: Pontotoc County residents participate in the American Civil War, with many men serving in the Confederate Army.
  • 1878: The railroad reaches Pontotoc, opening up new opportunities for transportation and trade.
  • 1892: First public school system is established in Pontotoc County.
  • 1930s: The Great Depression hits Pontotoc County, causing economic hardships for many residents.
  • 1936: The Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) brings electricity to Pontotoc County.
  • 1950s-1960s: Civil Rights Movement impacts Pontotoc County, with local activists working to secure equal rights for African Americans.
  • 1970s-1980s: Pontotoc County experiences agricultural transformation, with a shift from cotton to poultry farming.
  • 2000s: Pontotoc County undergoes steady population growth and economic development, becoming an important center for manufacturing and healthcare in Mississippi.