National Register Listing

Dockery Farms Historic District

MS 8 E, Dockery, MS
Local significance of the district:
Architecture; Performing Arts; Social History

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 2006.

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.

Mississippi was hit hard by Hurricane Katrina in 2005, which caused extensive damage to the state's Gulf Coast region and led to the displacement of thousands of residents.
Mississippi random facts
Located in the Mississippi Delta region, Sunflower County has a rich and diverse history that spans several centuries. The area was originally inhabited by indigenous peoples, including the Choctaw and Chickasaw tribes. In the 19th century, European settlers began to establish cotton plantations, relying heavily on enslaved African labor.

Sunflower County played a significant role in the Civil Rights Movement of the 20th century. It was the birthplace of Fannie Lou Hamer, a prominent civil rights activist who tirelessly fought for voting rights, school desegregation, and equal treatment for African Americans. The county became a battleground for racial equality, witnessing numerous protests and acts of resistance against segregation and discrimination.

During the mid-20th century, Sunflower County, like much of the Mississippi Delta, experienced socio-economic hardships due to mechanization in agriculture and the decline of the cotton industry. Poverty and unemployment became prevalent, and the population decreased as many residents left in search of better opportunities.

In recent years, Sunflower County has made efforts to revitalize its economy and improve living conditions for its residents. Various initiatives have been implemented to promote education, job creation, and community development. While challenges persist, the county continues to evolve and adapt, striving for a brighter future. Today, Sunflower County serves as a reminder of the struggles faced by its inhabitants in the past, while also showcasing their resilience and determination for a better tomorrow.

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

  • Early 1800s: Sunflower County was inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Choctaw and Chickasaw.
  • 1833: The Mississippi Legislature established Sunflower County.
  • 1844: The county seat was established in the town of Pheba.
  • 1846: Pheba was renamed to Sunflower, becoming the county seat.
  • 1854: The town of Sunflower was superseded by the newly established town of Johnsonville as the county seat.
  • 1858: Sunflower County's seat moved again, this time to McNutt.
  • 1910: Indianola became the permanent county seat, replacing McNutt.
  • 1920s-1930s: Sunflower County experienced a significant growth in cotton farming and became a major center for the agricultural industry.
  • 1950s-1960s: The Civil Rights Movement had a strong presence in Sunflower County, with notable activists leading initiatives for equality.
  • 2004: The B.B. King Museum and Delta Interpretive Center opened in Indianola, honoring the famous blues musician who was born in Sunflower County.
  • Present: Sunflower County continues to be primarily agricultural, with a focus on cotton, soybeans, and catfish farming.