Wilkinson County, Mississippi

Wilkinson County, Mississippi
County	Wilkinson County
State	Mississippi
Founded	1802
Seat	Woodville
Largest town	Centreville
Area total sq mi	688
Area land sq mi	677
Area water sq mi	11
Area percentage	1.6%
Population as of	2020
Population total	8,587
Population density sq mi	13
Time zone	Central
District	2nd
Named for	James Wilkinson

Wilkinson County, Mississippi. Located in the southwestern corner of the state along the Mississippi River, it is one of Mississippi's oldest counties, established in 1802 when the region was part of the Mississippi Territory. The county seat is Woodville, a historic town known for its antebellum architecture and cultural significance. Bordered by Louisiana to the south and west, its economy has historically been rooted in agriculture, particularly cotton cultivation, which shaped its early development through the antebellum period.

History

The area was originally inhabited by indigenous peoples, including the Natchez and Choctaw. European settlement increased following the Treaty of Fort Adams in 1801 and the Treaty of Mount Dexter in 1805, which facilitated the westward expansion of the United States. Named for James Wilkinson, a controversial general and governor of the Louisiana Territory, the county was formally organized in 1802 with Woodville platted soon after. Its fertile lands along the Mississippi River became the site of numerous plantations dependent on enslaved labor, making it a center of wealth and political influence prior to the American Civil War. During the war, the area saw activity related to the Siege of Vicksburg and the Red River Campaign. The post-Reconstruction era brought significant demographic and economic changes, with the county's population peaking in the early 20th century before a long period of decline.

Geography

According to the United States Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 688 square miles, of which 677 square miles is land and 11 square miles is water. It is the southernmost county in Mississippi, with its western boundary defined by the Mississippi River, across from Pointe Coupee Parish, Louisiana. The terrain is characterized by low, rolling hills and flat alluvial plains, part of the broader Mississippi Alluvial Plain region. Significant waterways include the Homochitto River, which flows southward, and the Buffalo River. The county contains parts of the Homochitto National Forest, and its eastern portion lies within the Piney Woods ecoregion. It is bordered by Adams County to the north and Amite County to the east.

Demographics

As of the 2020 United States census, the population was 8,587, making it one of the least populous counties in the state. The population density was about 13 people per square mile. Racially, the population was predominantly African American, with a significant minority of White American residents. The county has experienced steady population decline since the mid-20th century, a trend common in the rural Mississippi Delta region due to agricultural mechanization and outmigration. The largest communities are Centreville and the county seat, Woodville.

Government and infrastructure

Wilkinson County operates under a board of supervisors and is part of the 2nd Congressional District. The county is served by the Wilkinson County School District. Key infrastructure includes portions of U.S. Route 61 and Mississippi Highway 24. Law enforcement is provided by the Wilkinson County Sheriff's Department, and the county contains a branch of the Mississippi Department of Corrections. The Woodville airport provides general aviation services.

Economy

The economy has traditionally been based on agriculture and forestry. Major historical crops included cotton, soybeans, and corn. Timber production from the Homochitto National Forest and private timberlands remains a significant industry. In recent decades, corrections has become a major employer through state facilities. There is limited light manufacturing and a growing emphasis on heritage tourism, centered on historic sites like the Rosemont Plantation and the annual Woodville Tomato Festival. The county consistently has one of the highest unemployment and poverty rates in Mississippi.

Culture and notable people

The county has a rich cultural heritage, with numerous properties listed on the National Register of Historic Places, including the Woodville Historic District and the Fort Adams site. It is part of the Mississippi Blues Trail, recognizing the region's contributions to Delta blues music. Notable natives and residents include John A. Quitman, a former Governor of Mississippi and Congressman; Varina Howell Davis, wife of Confederate President Jefferson Davis, who was born at The Briars; and Walter Inglis Anderson, a renowned artist and naturalist. The Woodville Baptist Church and the county's many historic cemeteries are important community landmarks.

Category:Wilkinson County, Mississippi Category:Mississippi counties Category:1802 establishments in Mississippi Territory Category:Populated places established in 1802