Historical Marker

Franklin Academy

Historical marker location:
, , Mississippi
( 501 3rd Avenue North in Columbus)
Marker installed: 1958
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.

Mississippi played a significant role in the Civil Rights Movement of the 1950s and 1960s. Many of the most important events of the movement, including the Freedom Rides and the March Against Fear, took place in Mississippi.
Mississippi random facts
Lowndes County, Mississippi, has a rich history that dates back centuries. The area was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Choctaw, Chickasaw, and Natchez peoples, who relied on the abundant natural resources of the region. In the early 1800s, European settlers began to move into the area, and in 1830, Lowndes County was officially established by the state legislature.

During the antebellum period, Lowndes County was primarily agricultural, with cotton as the main crop. The population of enslaved people grew significantly, and their labor was integral to the economic prosperity of the county. The county also played a role in the Civil War, with many men from Lowndes serving in the Confederate Army. The aftermath of the war brought major challenges to the area, including widespread poverty and social unrest.

Throughout the 20th century, Lowndes County experienced significant changes. The economy shifted away from agriculture towards manufacturing and industry. In the mid-20th century, the Civil Rights Movement brought attention to the county, as it was a key site of activism and resistance. Lowndes County was known as the "Bloody Lowndes" due to its history of racial violence and discrimination. The formation of the Lowndes County Freedom Organization, which later inspired the Black Panther Party, was a significant development during this time.

In recent decades, Lowndes County has faced economic challenges, although efforts have been made to revitalize the area and promote tourism. The county is home to historical landmarks, such as the Columbus Historic District and the Waverley Mansion, attracting visitors interested in its rich history and cultural heritage. Today, Lowndes County continues to evolve, embracing its past while striving for a better future.

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

  • 1830: Lowndes County is established as a county of the state of Mississippi.
  • 1832: The first courthouse is built in Columbus, the county seat of Lowndes County.
  • 1847: Construction of the Waverley Mansion begins. It is now a National Historic Landmark.
  • 1861: Mississippi secedes from the Union, and Lowndes County becomes part of the Confederacy during the American Civil War.
  • 1872: The county suffers from a devastating tornado that causes significant damage to the area.
  • 1900: The Columbus and Greenville Railway is completed, improving transportation in the county.
  • 1950s: Lowndes County experiences rapid growth in its manufacturing industry, including the arrival of the Columbus Air Force Base.
  • 1965: Civil rights activism increases in the county, with the Freedom Summer and the formation of the Lowndes County Freedom Organization.
  • 1980s: The Golden Triangle Industrial Park is established, promoting economic development in the area.
  • 2000s: The county continues to grow, with improvements in infrastructure, education, and healthcare.