Historical Marker

Macedonia Rosenwald School

Marker installed: 2017
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.

education
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.
Mississippi random facts
Panola County, located in the state of Mississippi, has a rich and diverse history. The area was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Choctaw and Chickasaw. In the early 1800s, European settlers began to make their way to the region, and in 1836, Panola County was officially established. The county was named after the Panola Native American tribe, which once inhabited the area.

In the mid-19th century, Panola County experienced significant growth as cotton became the primary agricultural product in the region. The availability of fertile land and favorable climate conditions made the county a prime location for cotton plantations. The demand for labor led to an influx of enslaved African Americans, who played a crucial role in the county's economy.

During the American Civil War, Panola County, like much of Mississippi, was heavily impacted by the conflict. The county saw military action and was occupied by Union forces for a period. After the war, Panola County struggled to recover from the devastation caused by the fighting. Economic difficulties and social tensions persisted throughout the Reconstruction era.

In the 20th century, Panola County experienced both economic and social changes. The decline of the cotton industry and the Great Depression had a significant impact on the county's economy, leading to a shift towards more diversified agricultural practices. The county also witnessed the rise of civil rights activism in the 1960s, with local leaders advocating for desegregation and equal rights.

Today, Panola County is a vibrant community with a mix of agricultural, manufacturing, and service-based industries. The county's rich history is preserved through various historical sites and museums, contributing to the unique cultural heritage of the area.

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

  • 1836 - Panola County is formed from lands ceded by the Chickasaw Nation.
  • 1840 - The county seat is established and named Panola.
  • 1850 - The population of Panola County reaches over 6,000 people.
  • 1861-1865 - Panola County residents actively participate in the American Civil War.
  • 1873 - The Mississippi and Tennessee Railroad is completed, providing improved transportation.
  • 1881 - The town of Batesville is incorporated and becomes the new county seat.
  • 1890 - Panola County's population reaches its peak with over 23,000 residents.
  • 1920s-1930s - Agriculture and timber industries dominate the county's economy.
  • 1950s-1970s - Panola County experiences significant social and cultural changes due to the civil rights movement.
  • 2000s - Panola County continues to thrive with a diverse economy and a focus on education and community development.