Sumrall-Albritton House
SR 45, Shubuta, MS Local significance of the building:Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1980.
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.
Mississippi has a long history of political and social conservatism, and the state has consistently voted for Republican candidates in presidential elections since the 1980s. However, the state also has a strong Democratic Party tradition, particularly among African American voters.
During the antebellum period, Clarke County thrived economically with the development of agriculture, particularly cotton plantations. The county's fertile soil and access to transportation routes, such as the Chickasawhay River, helped fuel the growth of the plantation system. However, this prosperity came at the expense of enslaved African Americans who were forced to work on these plantations.
The Civil War had a significant impact on Clarke County, as it did on many areas of the South. Like much of Mississippi, the county was ravaged by the conflict, with many homes and farms destroyed. After the war, Clarke County faced the challenges of Reconstruction, including the loss of the plantation system and the struggle to redefine its economy and social structure. Agriculture remained a dominant industry, but small-scale farming and timber operations became more common.
In the 20th century, Clarke County experienced a shift from an agrarian to a more industrial and diverse economy. Lumber mills became a major industry, along with the production of turpentine and agricultural products like poultry and timber. Clarke County also played a role in the civil rights movement, with local activists working for desegregation and equal rights for African Americans. Today, Clarke County continues to navigate the complexities of the modern era while striving to preserve its historical heritage and foster economic growth for its residents.
Clarke County Timeline
This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Clarke County, Mississippi.
- 1812 - Clarke County is established as a county in Mississippi.
- 1813 - The first settlers move into the area.
- 1840 - The county seat is established in the town of Quitman.
- 1861-1865 - Clarke County residents participate in the American Civil War.
- 1870s - The timber industry begins to flourish in Clarke County.
- 1896 - The Quitman Academy is founded.
- 1914-1918 - Many Clarke County residents serve in World War I.
- 1930s - Clarke County experiences economic difficulties during the Great Depression.
- 1950s-1960s - Civil rights activities and desegregation efforts impact Clarke County.
- 1980s - Clarke County's economy diversifies with the growth of manufacturing industries.
- 2005 - Hurricane Katrina causes significant damage in Clarke County.