Historical Marker

Richard Wright

Marker installed: 1998
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.

Audiobooks about the history of Mississippi.
Mississippi is also known for its literary history. Several Pulitzer Prize-winning authors, including William Faulkner, Eudora Welty, and Tennessee Williams, hailed from the state.
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 glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped 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.