Historical Marker

James Ford

Marker installed: 2019
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 famous blues guitarist Robert Johnson, who is often cited as a major influence on rock and roll, was born in Hazlehurst, Mississippi.
Mississippi random facts
Yalobusha County, Mississippi, has a rich history that dates back to the early Native American inhabitants. The Chickasaw tribe, known for their skilled agricultural practices and fierce warriors, occupied the area until the 1830s when they were forcibly removed by the United States government as part of the Indian Removal Act. This displacement led to the opening up of the region for European-American settlement.

The county itself was formed in 1833 and named after the Yalobusha River, which flows through its boundaries. The town of Coffeeville, established around the same time as the county's formation, became the first county seat. The early settlers of Yalobusha County were mainly subsistence farmers who depended on the fertile soil for growing cotton, corn, and wheat.

During the Civil War, Yalobusha County played a significant role as a strategic location and transportation hub. Both Union and Confederate forces attempted to control the area due to its proximity to the Tallahatchie River and the Mississippi Central Railroad. The Battle of Coffeeville, fought in 1862, saw Confederate troops successfully defend the town against Union forces, solidifying Yalobusha's importance in the conflict.

After the war, Yalobusha County began to experience economic growth with the expansion of the railroad and the establishment of new towns, such as Water Valley and Oakland. The county's population steadily grew, and agriculture remained the backbone of the economy. However, the decline of cotton production and the shift towards mechanization in the 20th century led to a decline in farming and an increase in manufacturing and service industries.

Today, Yalobusha County retains its rural charm while embracing modern developments. Visitors can explore historical sites, such as the Civil War cemetery in Coffeeville, or enjoy outdoor activities along the scenic Yalobusha River. Despite its changing economic landscape, the county remains proud of its heritage and continues to preserve its unique historical identity.

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

  • 1833 - Yalobusha County is established as one of the original counties in the Mississippi Territory.
  • 1844 - The town of Coffeeville is incorporated.
  • 1846 - The town of Water Valley is founded.
  • 1873 - The Mississippi Central Railroad is completed, connecting Water Valley to the major cities in the state.
  • 1879 - Yalobusha County Courthouse is built in Water Valley.
  • 1901 - The Yazoo and Mississippi Valley Railroad is completed, further improving transportation in the county.
  • 1944 - Yalobusha County celebrates its centennial anniversary.
  • 1998 - The city of Coffeeville is hit by a devastating tornado.