Historical Marker

Riley B. King

Marker provided by: Mississippi Blues Commission.

The Mississippi Blues Trail markers tell stories through words and images of bluesmen and women and how the places where they lived and the times in which they existed–and continue to exist–influenced their music. The sites run the gamut from city streets to cotton fields, train depots to cemeteries, and clubs to churches. We have a lot to share, and it’s just down the Mississippi Blues Trail.

The Mississippi Blues Trail is an ongoing project of the Mississippi Blues Commission. Funding for this project has been made possible by grants from the National Endowment for the Arts, National Endowment for the Humanities, Mississippi Department of Transportation, the Federal Highway Administration, AT&T, and the Delta Center for Culture and Learning at Delta State University plus additional support from the Mississippi Development Authority Tourism Division.

For more information visit msbluestrail.org.

Blues Trail
Audiobooks about the history of Mississippi.
The state has a diverse population that includes Native American tribes such as the Choctaw and Chickasaw, as well as African Americans, European Americans, and Hispanic Americans.
Mississippi random facts
Located in the Mississippi Delta region, Sunflower County has a rich and diverse history that spans several centuries. The area was originally inhabited by indigenous peoples, including the Choctaw and Chickasaw tribes. In the 19th century, European settlers began to establish cotton plantations, relying heavily on enslaved African labor.

Sunflower County played a significant role in the Civil Rights Movement of the 20th century. It was the birthplace of Fannie Lou Hamer, a prominent civil rights activist who tirelessly fought for voting rights, school desegregation, and equal treatment for African Americans. The county became a battleground for racial equality, witnessing numerous protests and acts of resistance against segregation and discrimination.

During the mid-20th century, Sunflower County, like much of the Mississippi Delta, experienced socio-economic hardships due to mechanization in agriculture and the decline of the cotton industry. Poverty and unemployment became prevalent, and the population decreased as many residents left in search of better opportunities.

In recent years, Sunflower County has made efforts to revitalize its economy and improve living conditions for its residents. Various initiatives have been implemented to promote education, job creation, and community development. While challenges persist, the county continues to evolve and adapt, striving for a brighter future. Today, Sunflower County serves as a reminder of the struggles faced by its inhabitants in the past, while also showcasing their resilience and determination for a better tomorrow.

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

  • Early 1800s: Sunflower County was inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Choctaw and Chickasaw.
  • 1833: The Mississippi Legislature established Sunflower County.
  • 1844: The county seat was established in the town of Pheba.
  • 1846: Pheba was renamed to Sunflower, becoming the county seat.
  • 1854: The town of Sunflower was superseded by the newly established town of Johnsonville as the county seat.
  • 1858: Sunflower County's seat moved again, this time to McNutt.
  • 1910: Indianola became the permanent county seat, replacing McNutt.
  • 1920s-1930s: Sunflower County experienced a significant growth in cotton farming and became a major center for the agricultural industry.
  • 1950s-1960s: The Civil Rights Movement had a strong presence in Sunflower County, with notable activists leading initiatives for equality.
  • 2004: The B.B. King Museum and Delta Interpretive Center opened in Indianola, honoring the famous blues musician who was born in Sunflower County.
  • Present: Sunflower County continues to be primarily agricultural, with a focus on cotton, soybeans, and catfish farming.