National Register Listing

Downtown Booneville Historic District

Roughly bounded by Church, College, Court, First, Hotel, Main, Market and Mill Sts., Booneville, MS
Local significance of the district:
Architecture; Commerce; Community Planning And Development

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1998.

The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.

The name "Mississippi" comes from the Ojibwe word "misi-ziibi," which means "Great River."
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 concise overview of the key events in 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.