Warren County, Mississippi

Warren County, Mississippi
County	Warren County
State	Mississippi
Founded	1809
Seat	Vicksburg
Largest city	Vicksburg
Area total sq mi	619
Area land sq mi	588
Area water sq mi	31
Area percentage	5.0%
Population as of	2020
Population total	44,722
Population density sq mi	76
Time zone	Central
Named for	Joseph Warren
District	2nd

Warren County, Mississippi. Located in the western part of the state along the Mississippi River, Warren County is anchored by its county seat and largest city, Vicksburg. The county is historically significant as the site of the pivotal Siege of Vicksburg during the American Civil War, a turning point that gave the Union control of the river. Today, its economy is supported by river commerce, manufacturing, and heritage tourism centered on the Vicksburg National Military Park.

History

The region was originally inhabited by the Yazoo tribe and later became part of the Mississippi Territory. Warren County was officially established in 1809 and named for Joseph Warren, a hero of the American Revolutionary War. Its development was inextricably linked to the Mississippi River, with Vicksburg becoming a major commercial port. The county's defining historical event was the 1863 Siege of Vicksburg, a 47-day campaign commanded by Ulysses S. Grant for the Union Army against the Confederate States Army garrison under John C. Pemberton. The Union victory, coupled with the Battle of Gettysburg, marked a major turning point in the American Civil War. Post-war, the county struggled through the Reconstruction era and was later affected by the Great Mississippi Flood of 1927. The 20th century saw the establishment of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Waterways Experiment Station and the growth of the Vicksburg National Military Park as a major memorial site.

Geography

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 619 square miles, of which 588 square miles is land and 31 square miles is water, primarily from the Mississippi River which forms its western border. The terrain transitions from the river's Mississippi Alluvial Plain to rolling hills further east. Major waterways include the Yazoo River and the Big Black River. The county contains parts of the Delta National Forest and the Vicksburg National Military Park. It is bordered by Claiborne County to the north, Hinds County to the east, and Madison Parish, Louisiana across the river to the west.

Demographics

As of the 2020 United States census, the population was 44,722. The racial makeup was approximately 48.5% African American, 46.8% White American, and small percentages of Asian American and Hispanic and Latino Americans residents. The population density was about 76 people per square mile. The largest city and population center is Vicksburg, which is also part of the larger Jackson metropolitan area. Historical population peaks occurred in the early 20th century before declines due to the Great Migration and agricultural changes.

Government

Warren County operates under a five-member Board of Supervisors. The county seat is the historic Warren County Courthouse in Vicksburg. At the federal level, the county is represented in the United States House of Representatives by the 2nd District and in the United States Senate by Roger Wicker and Cindy Hyde-Smith. Key county-level offices include the Sheriff, Tax Assessor, and Circuit Clerk. The county is part of the Mississippi Supreme Court's District 2.

Economy

The economy has historically been based on Mississippi River commerce, with the Port of Vicksburg and associated industries like Ergon playing significant roles. Manufacturing is a major sector, with companies such as Severstal (formerly SeverCorr) operating large facilities. Vicksburg National Military Park and associated Casinos, including Ameristar Casino Vicksburg, drive heritage and entertainment tourism. Agriculture remains present, with soybean and corn production. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is a major employer through its Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC).

Education

Public education is provided by the Vicksburg Warren School District, which includes Vicksburg High School. Private institutions include St. Aloysius High School. Higher education is served by Hinds Community College which has a campus in Vicksburg, and the county is within commuting distance of Jackson State University and Alcorn State University. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers also supports specialized research and educational programs.

Transportation

Major highways include Interstate 20, which runs east-west, and U.S. Route 61, known as the Great River Road. Vicksburg Municipal Airport provides general aviation services, with commercial air travel available via Jackson–Medgar Wiley Evers International Airport. The Mississippi River remains a vital freight corridor, with barge traffic managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Rail service is provided by Kansas City Southern Railway.

Category:Warren County, Mississippi Category:Mississippi counties Category:1809 establishments in Mississippi Territory Category:Populated places established in 1809