Historical Marker

William Colbert's Last Homesite

Marker installed: 2020
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.

In 1962, the University of Mississippi, located in Oxford, was the site of a violent confrontation between federal forces and white segregationists over the enrollment of James Meredith, the university's first African American student.
Mississippi random facts
Chickasaw County, Mississippi, has a rich and diverse history that can be traced back to its Native American roots. The region was once home to the Chickasaw tribe, who inhabited the area for centuries before European settlers arrived. In 1836, the Chickasaw Indians were forcibly removed from their ancestral lands through the Treaty of Pontotoc, which opened up the area for settlement by white settlers.

Following the removal of the Chickasaw tribe, Chickasaw County was officially established in 1836. The county was named in honor of the Chickasaw people who had previously occupied the land. The county seat was originally located in Houston, but it was later moved to its current location in the city of Okolona.

During the mid-19th century, Chickasaw County thrived as an agricultural community, with cotton being the main cash crop. The economy was heavily dependent on slave labor, and many large plantations were established throughout the county. The Civil War had a significant impact on the area, as the county was located in a strategic position between Union and Confederate forces. Battles and skirmishes took place throughout the county, leaving a lasting impact on its landscape and its people.

In the decades following the Civil War, Chickasaw County faced numerous challenges, including economic struggles and racial tensions. The decline of the agricultural economy led to a shift towards smaller-scale farming and the growth of industries such as timber and manufacturing. The civil rights movement had a profound impact on the area, as residents fought for equal rights and opportunities for all. Today, Chickasaw County continues to be a vibrant community, with a diverse population and a strong sense of history and heritage.

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

  • 1836: Chickasaw County is established as part of the State of Mississippi.
  • 1861-1865: Chickasaw County is heavily involved in the American Civil War.
  • Late 19th century: The timber and railroad industries bring growth and economic development to Chickasaw County.
  • Early 20th century: The county experiences a decline in agricultural production due to the boll weevil infestation.
  • 1930s-1940s: Chickasaw County suffers from the effects of the Great Depression and World War II.
  • 1950s-1960s: The Civil Rights Movement impacts Chickasaw County as African Americans fight for equal rights.
  • Late 20th century: The county focuses on industrial and economic diversification, attracting new businesses.
  • Present: Chickasaw County continues to be a vibrant community, with a mix of agriculture, industry, and tourism.