National Register Listing

Mt. Moriah School

a.k.a. Mt. Moriah Community Center

149 Mt. Moriah Rd., Tylertown, MS
Local significance of the building:
Ethnic Heritage; Black; Education; Architecture

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 2017.

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.

ethnic heritage black education architecture
The famous blues guitarist Robert Johnson, who is often cited as a major influence on rock and roll, was born in Hazlehurst, Mississippi.
Mississippi random facts
Walthall County, located in the southwest corner of Mississippi, has a rich history that stretches back thousands of years. Prior to European colonization, the area was inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Choctaw and Chickasaw people. These tribes relied on the land's natural resources for sustenance and established their own unique cultures.

In the early 19th century, European settlers arrived in the area, establishing small communities and farms. The county was officially created in 1910 and named after Civil War officer Edward C. Walthall. Agriculture became the mainstay of the local economy, with cotton, timber, and livestock being the primary industries. Small towns like Tylertown emerged as trading centers, providing essential services to the surrounding rural communities.

Walthall County experienced significant growth during the early 20th century, with improvements in transportation and infrastructure. The arrival of the Illinois Central Railroad in the 1920s facilitated trade and brought increased opportunities for economic development. However, like many other areas in the South, the county also faced the challenges of segregation and racial tensions during this period.

In recent times, Walthall County has grappled with economic changes and the decline of traditional rural industries. The county has seen a shift from agriculture to other sectors, such as healthcare and manufacturing. Efforts have been made to preserve the county's history and promote tourism, with the establishment of museums and historical sites. Today, Walthall County continues to evolve, seeking to balance its rich heritage with the need for economic progress.

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

  • 1812 - Walthall County established as Marion County after General Francis Marion from the Revolutionary War.
  • 1821 - Marion County divided into two counties: Lawrence and Marion.
  • 1910 - Marion County renamed after judge and Confederate Major Edward C. Walthall.
  • 1912 - Walthall County officially established with county seat in Tylertown.
  • 1933 - Construction of the Tylertown-College Road begins as a Works Progress Administration project.
  • 1944 - Reconstruction of the Tylertown-College Road completed as a two-lane highway.
  • 1964 - Interstate 55 is completed, passing through Walthall County.
  • 1990 - Walthall County Historical Society formed to preserve and promote local history.
  • 2005 - Hurricane Katrina hits Walthall County, causing significant damage.