Historical Marker

Duncan House

Marker installed: 2016
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.

architecture houses residential buildings
Audiobooks about the history of Mississippi.
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
Alcorn County, located in the northeastern part of Mississippi, has a rich history that dates back to the prehistoric era. The region was inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Chickasaw, who lived in the area for centuries before the arrival of European settlers. The county's name honors James Alcorn, a prominent Mississippi politician in the 19th century.

In the early 1800s, European settlers began to arrive in the area, attracted by the fertile land and abundant natural resources. Alcorn County was officially established on April 15, 1870, during the Reconstruction era. Corinth, now the county seat, became a major economic and transportation hub due to its strategic location along the Memphis and Charleston Railroad.

During the Civil War, Alcorn County played a significant role as it was a key battleground during the Battle of Corinth in 1862. This battle, which resulted in Union victory, brought devastating destruction to the area and marked a turning point in the war. Following the war, the county slowly recovered and experienced growth as the railroad industry expanded and brought new opportunities for trade and commerce.

Throughout the 20th century, Alcorn County continued to develop. The county's agricultural sector thrived, with cotton and corn as major crops in the early years. Over time, manufacturing industries emerged, including furniture production and textile mills, contributing to the region's economic stability. Today, Alcorn County remains a vibrant community, preserving its history while also embracing modern advancements in technology, education, and healthcare.

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

  • 1817: Alcorn County was founded and named after James L. Alcorn, a governor of Mississippi.
  • 1836: Mississippian Indians were removed from the area via the Treaty of Pontotoc Creek.
  • 1870: Corinth was designated as the county seat.
  • 1862: The Battle of Corinth took place during the American Civil War.
  • 1920s: The county experienced an economic boom due to the rise of the railroad industry.
  • 1944: The Tennessee Valley Authority dammed the nearby Tennessee River, creating Pickwick Lake.
  • 1990: Corinth National Cemetery was listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
  • 2009: The Northeast Mississippi Community College opened a branch campus in Corinth.