Historical Marker

Elijah Pierce

Marker installed: 2020
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.
The Mississippi River, which forms the western border of the state, is the longest river in North America.
Mississippi random facts
Prentiss County, Mississippi holds a rich historical background dating back to the early 19th century. The region was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Chickasaw and Choctaw. European settlers first arrived in the area in the early 1800s, establishing small communities and farms.

The county's name honors Seargent Smith Prentiss, a prominent lawyer and orator. Prentiss County was officially formed in 1870 from parts of Tishomingo and Lee counties. The county seat, Booneville, was named after R.H. Boone, a prominent citizen of the area.

A significant event in Prentiss County's history was the Battle of Booneville during the American Civil War. It took place in June 1862, when Union forces led by Colonel William Sooy Smith clashed with Confederate troops led by General James R. Chalmers. The battle resulted in a Confederate victory, but it did not significantly alter the overall outcome of the war.

Throughout the 19th and 20th centuries, Prentiss County experienced economic growth and development. Agriculture, particularly cotton farming, contributed to the county's prosperity. The industrial sector also saw advancements, with textile mills and furniture manufacturing playing a significant role in the local economy.

In summary, Prentiss County, Mississippi has a diverse and fascinating history. From its Native American origins to the establishment of thriving communities, the county has been shaped by significant events such as the Battle of Booneville and the growth of its agricultural and industrial sectors. Today, Prentiss County continues to flourish as a center of commerce, culture, and community.

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

  • 1836: Prentiss County was established on April 15, 1836.
  • 1837: The first court was held in Jacinto, the county seat.
  • 1840s: Small settlements began to emerge in the county.
  • 1850s: Agriculture, including cotton and corn farming, became the main economic activity.
  • 1861-1865: Prentiss County residents fought in the American Civil War.
  • 1865: The county faced economic challenges due to the aftermath of the war.
  • Late 1800s: The county experienced growth and development along with the rest of Mississippi.
  • Early 1900s: The county saw improvements in transportation infrastructure, including the arrival of railroads.
  • 1920s: Prentiss County faced significant economic decline due to the boll weevil infestation.
  • 1930s: The county experienced the effects of the Great Depression.
  • 1940s: The agricultural sector began to recover with the introduction of diversified crops.
  • 1960s: Civil rights movements brought about social and political changes in the county.
  • 2000s: The county continued to focus on agriculture while also diversifying its economy.