Historical Marker

Neely Baptist Church

Marker installed: 2019
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.

Baptist denomination churches religion
The Mississippi River, which forms the western border of the state, is the longest river in North America.
Mississippi random facts
Greene County, Mississippi has a rich history spanning back thousands of years. Prior to European settlement, the region was home to Native American tribes, including the Choctaw and Chickasaw. These tribes lived off the land, engaging in hunting, fishing, and agriculture.

In the early 1800s, European pioneers began to settle in the area. The county, named after American Revolutionary War General Nathanael Greene, was officially established in 1811. It initially consisted of vast forests and fertile soil, making it attractive to settlers seeking opportunities for farming and lumbering.

During the Civil War, Greene County, like much of Mississippi, was heavily impacted by the conflict. The region witnessed major battles and skirmishes, with the county experiencing both Union and Confederate control at different times. Many plantation owners faced significant economic losses during this period, as the war disrupted their agricultural operations.

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Greene County experienced growth and development. The lumber industry flourished, with numerous sawmills and timber companies established. Agriculture, particularly cotton farming, also played a significant role in the county's economy. Railroads were built, connecting Greene County's resources to larger markets, further boosting its development.

Today, Greene County continues to be an important agricultural and lumber-producing region. While the population remains relatively small compared to neighboring counties, the community is proud of its rich history and strives to preserve its cultural heritage. The county offers various recreational activities, such as fishing and hunting, as well as opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts to explore the beautiful natural landscapes that make up Greene County.

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

  • 1811 - Greene County is established as the 20th county in Mississippi.
  • 1836 - The county courthouse is built.
  • 1861-1865 - Greene County experiences the impact of the American Civil War.
  • 1944 - The first section of Highway 98 is opened, connecting Greene County to other parts of Mississippi.
  • 1956 - Leakesville is selected as the new county seat.
  • 1979 - The first annual Greene County Cotton Festival takes place.
  • 1986 - The Old Greene County Jail is added to the National Register of Historic Places.
  • 2005 - Hurricane Katrina severely damages parts of Greene County.
  • 2010 - The population of Greene County reaches 14,400 people.