Historical Marker

Richard Wright

Historical marker location:
220 S. Commerce St., Natchez, Mississippi
( Natchez Library.)
Marker installed: 2020
Marker provided by: Mississippi Blues Commission.

Richard Nathaniel Wright was born in Roxie, near Natchez, in 1908. In his youth, he suffered poverty, racism, and being shuffled between an orphanage and the homes of relatives. In Jackson, he was valedictorian of his class at Smith Robertson Junior High School but dropped out of high school to go to work. The precocious Wright published his first story at sixteen, and in 1940 he achieved national fame with his best-selling novel, Native Son. Arguably one of the most important works of twentieth-century American literature, the novel was adapted for film and stage. Wright's work exposes the brutal reality of American racism. In his 1945 autobiography, Black Boy, he describes his horrific years growing up in the South and declares: “This was the culture from which I sprang. This was the terror from which I fled," In 1946. Wright escaped to France, living as an expatriate until his death in 1960

The Mississippi Writers Trail is a program by the Mississippi Arts Commission. It pays tribute to the state’s most acclaimed and influential writers through a series of historical markers that recognize the importance of place in an author’s life while educating the public about the history and legacy of Mississippi writers. This statewide community improvement activity connects historical preservation, tourism and transportation. The cast aluminum markers, shaped like an open book inform travelers and highlight information about local authors including their birthplace, home, gravesite, museum, or literary locale. These markers will eventually span the entirety of the state from the Gulf Coast to the Hills. Mississippians such as Natasha Trethewey, Richard Wright, Eudora Welty, Walker Percy, Larry Brown, Jesmyn Ward, and many more will be honored with a Mississippi Writers Trail marker.

For more information visit arts.ms.gov.

Writers Trail
The Mississippi River, which forms the western border of the state, is the longest river in North America.
Mississippi random facts
Adams County, Mississippi, has a rich and intriguing history that dates back to the early 18th century. The area was originally inhabited by different Native American tribes, including the Natchez and Choctaw. In 1716, it was settled by the French, who established Fort Rosalie as a trading post. Eventually, the territory came under Spanish control in 1779, and in 1798, the United States acquired the region through the Treaty of San Lorenzo.

During the early 19th century, Adams County experienced significant growth and development, driven by the establishment of the city of Natchez as a major trading center. Natchez became known for its prosperous cotton plantations and the large number of wealthy plantation owners who resided in the area. The county's economy thrived mainly due to the labor-intensive cultivation of cotton, which relied heavily on enslaved African Americans.

However, the dark legacy of slavery and the Civil War also left a lasting impact on Adams County. Prior to the war, Natchez was considered one of the wealthiest cities in the United States. With the onset of the conflict, the county faced immense hardships, including destruction, economic decline, and loss of life. Many historic buildings were damaged or destroyed during the war, but some survived, giving Adams County a rich architectural heritage that attracts visitors to this day.

In the years following the Civil War, Adams County and Natchez slowly recovered and adapted to the changing times. The agricultural economy shifted to other crops, such as tobacco and corn, while industries like lumber mills and shipyards emerged. Additionally, tourism began to play an essential role in the local economy, with visitors drawn to the historical significance and cultural heritage of the area.

Today, Adams County continues to be a place of historical and cultural significance, preserving its past while embracing the opportunities of the present. Visitors can explore the beautiful antebellum homes, visit museums and art galleries, and experience the unique southern charm that sets this historic county apart.

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

  • 1799: Adams County is formed from parts of Pickering and Washington counties.
  • 1802: Natchez becomes the county seat of Adams County.
  • 1809: The construction of forks of the road begins, linking Natchez to Nashville.
  • 1812: Adams County's population reaches 8,119.
  • 1817: Mississippi becomes a state, and Adams County is part of the new state.
  • 1824: The State Bank of Mississippi is established in Natchez.
  • 1833: Bellevue, the oldest building in Natchez, is constructed.
  • 1841: The Great Natchez Tornado strikes, killing hundreds and causing significant damage.
  • 1861: The American Civil War begins, and Adams County plays a significant role in the conflict.
  • 1876: Southern Christian Institute, now known as Alcorn State University, is founded in Lorman.
  • 1890: The Adams County Courthouse, known for its impressive architecture, is completed.
  • 1966: The Natchez National Historical Park is established, preserving the area's history.
  • 2010: Adams County's population is recorded at 32,297.