Historical Marker

Summerville Institute

Marker installed: 1981
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.
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Mississippi random facts
Noxubee County, located in the eastern part of Mississippi, has a rich and diverse history. Native American tribes, such as the Choctaw and Chickasaw, inhabited the area before European settlers arrived. In the early 19th century, the land that would become Noxubee County was ceded to the United States through various treaties, leading to the establishment of the county in 1833.

During the antebellum period, Noxubee County thrived economically as cotton became the dominant crop. Large plantations were established, and enslaved African Americans made up a significant portion of the population. The county was known for its agricultural productivity and the impressive wealth of some of its landowners.

The Civil War had a significant impact on Noxubee County, as it did on the rest of the South. Many young men from the county fought in the war, resulting in casualties and economic hardships. Following the war, the economy struggled to recover, and the county experienced a period of post-war reconstruction and political reorganization.

In the 20th century, Noxubee County continued to evolve. The decline of the cotton industry led to a shift towards other agricultural pursuits, such as timber and livestock farming. The county also saw advancements in education and infrastructure, with the establishment of schools and improved transportation networks.

Today, Noxubee County remains a predominantly rural area, with a diverse population and a rich cultural heritage. It is known for its natural beauty, including Noxubee National Wildlife Refuge, which attracts visitors who enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking, birdwatching, and wildlife photography. The county continues to face challenges in terms of economic development, like many rural areas, but it remains a place of historical significance and natural beauty.

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

  • 1812: Noxubee County is established by the Mississippi Territorial Legislature.
  • 1835: The Choctaw Indian Treaty of Dancing Rabbit Creek is signed, leading to the forced removal of Choctaw tribes from the area.
  • 1836: Noxubee County becomes a part of the newly formed state of Mississippi.
  • 1850s: The county experiences economic growth due to the rise of cotton plantations and slave labor.
  • 1861-1865: Noxubee County residents actively participate in the American Civil War; the county suffers significant destruction and loss of life.
  • 1870s-1880s: The county faces economic challenges as the cotton market declines and reconstruction efforts take place.
  • 1920s: Noxubee County becomes a center for the production and distribution of moonshine during Prohibition.
  • 1936: The Tombigbee River is dammed, creating Noxubee Lake which contributes to the area's recreational potential.
  • 1970s: Integration of schools begins in Noxubee County.
  • 1990s: Noxubee County experiences population decline and economic hardships.