Historical Marker

Nathan Bedford Forrest Highway

Marker installed: 1962
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.

The Mississippi River, which forms the western border of the state, is the longest river in North America.
Mississippi random facts
Tippah County, located in northeastern Mississippi, has a rich history that dates back to prehistoric times. The area was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, particularly the Chickasaw people who were the dominant group in the region. European explorers, including Hernando de Soto, arrived in the area in the 16th century, but settlement did not occur until much later.

The county's history as an organized settlement began in 1836, when it was officially established as Tippah County. The origin of the county's name is uncertain, but it is believed to be derived from a Chickasaw word meaning "cut off" or "antelope." The county seat was established in Ripley, which remains the center of government and commerce.

In the 19th century, Tippah County was primarily an agricultural community, with cotton being the main cash crop. The county experienced growth and prosperity during this time, with the construction of schools and churches to meet the needs of the expanding population. However, the Civil War brought significant changes to the area, as many men from Tippah County enlisted in the Confederate Army and the region was heavily impacted by the war.

After the war, Tippah County began to rebuild its economy, focusing on diversifying its agriculture and developing its infrastructure. The construction of railroads and the expansion of the lumber industry had a positive impact on the county's economy. Over time, Tippah County evolved into a thriving rural community with a mix of small farms, manufacturing, and a growing service sector. Today, Tippah County continues to honor its history while embracing new opportunities for growth and development.

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

  • 1836 - Tippah County is established as a county in the state of Mississippi.
  • 1837 - The town of Ripley is established and becomes the county seat of Tippah County.
  • 1861-1865 - Tippah County is heavily impacted by the American Civil War.
  • 1870 - The town of Falkner is incorporated in Tippah County.
  • 1890 - The Ripley Female College is founded in Ripley.
  • 1927 - Major flooding occurs in Tippah County due to the Great Mississippi Flood.
  • 1950-1960 - Tippah County experiences significant population and economic growth.
  • 1984 - The opening of Tippah County Hospital in Ripley.
  • 2008 - Tippah County celebrates its 150th anniversary.