William Carey College
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.
In the 19th century, European settlers began to arrive in the region, drawn to the fertile land and abundant natural resources. The economy of Forrest County was primarily agrarian, with cotton becoming the dominant cash crop. Large plantations and farms were established, worked by a significant enslaved African American population.
During the American Civil War, Forrest County, like many parts of Mississippi, supported the Confederacy. General Forrest, for whom the county is named, was a prominent figure in the Confederate Army and led successful campaigns against Union forces. The county saw its fair share of battles and skirmishes as Union troops attempted to gain control of the area.
After the Civil War, Forrest County faced the challenges of Reconstruction. The abolition of slavery brought significant societal changes, and the county's economy underwent a period of transformation. The advent of the railroad in the late 19th century opened up new opportunities for trade and commerce, leading to the establishment of towns such as Hattiesburg, which became the county seat.
Throughout the 20th century, Forrest County continued to develop and diversify its economy. The lumber industry became a significant presence, taking advantage of the region's vast timber resources. Education also played a crucial role in the county's growth, with the founding of the University of Southern Mississippi in Hattiesburg in 1910. Today, Forrest County is a thriving area with a diverse economy, rooted in its rich historical heritage.
Forrest County Timeline
This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Forrest County, Mississippi.
- 1811: Forrest County is established and named after Confederate General Nathan Bedford Forrest.
- 1870: Hattiesburg, the county seat, is incorporated.
- 1882: The Mississippi Central Railroad is completed, boosting the area's economic growth.
- 1914: The University of Southern Mississippi, originally known as Mississippi Normal College, is established in Hattiesburg.
- 1917: Camp Shelby is established as a military training site during World War I.
- 1932: The Longleaf Trace, a 41-mile recreational trail, begins operation as a railroad corridor.
- 1942: Camp Shelby becomes a major training site during World War II.
- 1984: Pine Belt Stadium, now known as M.M. Roberts Stadium, is built on the University of Southern Mississippi campus.
- 2005: Hurricane Katrina devastates the Gulf Coast, including areas of Forrest County.
- 2017: The Hattiesburg Zoo expands with the opening of the Asbury Discovery Center.