Calhoun County, Mississippi

Calhoun County, Mississippi is a county located in the Mississippi Delta region of Mississippi, bordered by Lafayette County, Mississippi to the north, Chickasaw County, Mississippi to the east, Webster County, Mississippi to the south, and Grenada County, Mississippi to the west. The county seat is Pittsboro, Mississippi, which is also home to the Calhoun County Courthouse. Calhoun County is part of the Tupelo, Mississippi Micropolitan Statistical Area and is near the Tombigbee National Forest. The county is named after John C. Calhoun, a prominent United States Senator from South Carolina who served as Vice President of the United States under John Quincy Adams and Andrew Jackson.

Geography

Calhoun County is situated in the Mississippi Delta region, which is characterized by its flat, fertile alluvial plains and numerous wetlands. The county is drained by the Skuna River, a tributary of the Tallahatchie River, which flows into the Yazoo River and eventually the Mississippi River. The county's terrain is also marked by numerous oxbow lakes, including Lake Grenada and Enid Lake, which are popular spots for fishing and boating. The county is near the Appalachian Mountains and the Black Prairie Belt, a region known for its rich soil and diverse wildlife. Calhoun County is also close to the Noxubee National Wildlife Refuge and the Tishomingo State Park.

History

Calhoun County was established on April 8, 1852, from parts of Lafayette County, Mississippi and Chickasaw County, Mississippi. The county was named after John C. Calhoun, a prominent United States Senator from South Carolina who served as Vice President of the United States under John Quincy Adams and Andrew Jackson. During the American Civil War, Calhoun County was a key location for the Confederate States of America, with the county seat, Pittsboro, Mississippi, serving as a major supply depot for the Confederate Army. The county was also home to several plantations, including the Cotton Plantation and the Oakland Plantation, which were worked by enslaved Africans from West Africa and Central Africa. After the war, the county experienced significant growth and development, with the establishment of the Illinois Central Railroad and the Mississippi Central Railroad.

Demographics

As of the 2020 United States Census, the population of Calhoun County was 13,266, with a population density of 23 people per square mile. The county has a diverse population, with a mix of European Americans, African Americans, and Native Americans. The county is also home to a significant Hispanic and Latino American population, with many residents tracing their ancestry to Mexico and Central America. The median household income in Calhoun County is around $40,000, with a per capita income of around $20,000. The county has a high school graduation rate of around 80%, with many residents attending Mississippi State University, University of Mississippi, and Delta State University.

Communities

Calhoun County is home to several communities, including the county seat, Pittsboro, Mississippi, and the cities of Bruce, Mississippi and Derma, Mississippi. The county is also home to several unincorporated communities, including Big Creek, Mississippi and Slate Springs, Mississippi. The county is near the cities of Tupelo, Mississippi and Oxford, Mississippi, which are major commercial and cultural centers in the region. Calhoun County is also close to the Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway and the Natchez Trace Parkway, which are popular tourist destinations.

Economy

The economy of Calhoun County is primarily based on agriculture, with major crops including cotton, soybeans, and corn. The county is also home to several manufacturing facilities, including the Calhoun County Industrial Park and the Bruce Industrial Park. The county has a growing tourism industry, with attractions including the Calhoun County Courthouse, the Pittsboro Historic District, and the Skuna River. The county is also home to several hunting and fishing guides, who offer services on the Skuna River and other nearby waterways. Calhoun County is near the Toyota Motor Manufacturing Mississippi plant and the Nissan Canton Assembly Plant.

Government

Calhoun County is governed by a board of supervisors, which is composed of five members elected by district. The county is also served by several state and federal agencies, including the Mississippi Department of Transportation and the United States Department of Agriculture. The county has a sheriff's department and a county jail, which are responsible for law enforcement and public safety. Calhoun County is part of Mississippi's 1st congressional district and is represented in the Mississippi State Senate by Mississippi Senate District 8. The county is also home to several voting precincts, including the Pittsboro Precinct and the Bruce Precinct. Category:Mississippi counties