Neshoba County, Mississippi

Neshoba County, Mississippi
James Case · CC BY 2.0 · source
Name	Neshoba County
State	Mississippi
Founded	1833
Seat	Philadelphia

Neshoba County, Mississippi

Neshoba County, Mississippi, is a county located in the central part of the state, known for its significant role in the US Civil Rights Movement. The county seat, Philadelphia, Mississippi, is where the infamous Mississippi Burning murders took place in 1964. The event drew national attention to the county and the state, highlighting the racial tensions and violence faced by African Americans during the Civil Rights Era. This article provides an overview of Neshoba County's history, geography, government, culture, and legacy, with a focus on its connection to the US Civil Rights Movement.

History

Neshoba County was established in 1833, named after the Choctaw word "nashoba," meaning "wolf." The county has a rich Native American heritage, with evidence of Mississippian culture settlements dating back to the 10th century. During the American Civil War, Neshoba County was a major producer of cotton, which was harvested by enslaved African Americans. The county's economy and society were heavily influenced by the institution of slavery, which had a lasting impact on the community.

Civil Rights Era and the Mississippi Burning Murders

The 1960s saw significant civil rights activity in Neshoba County, with many African Americans seeking to exercise their right to vote and equal access to public facilities. However, they faced violent resistance from some white residents, including the Ku Klux Klan. In June 1964, three civil rights workers, James Chaney, Andrew Goodman, and Michael Schwerner, were arrested and later murdered by the Klan in Neshoba County. The Mississippi Burning murders, as they came to be known, sparked widespread outrage and brought national attention to the county and the state. The event was a major catalyst for the passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965.

Geography and Demographics

Neshoba County covers an area of 1,009 square miles (2,613 km²) and has a population of approximately 29,000 people. The county is located in the Piedmont region of Mississippi, with rolling hills and fertile soil. According to the United States Census Bureau, the racial makeup of the county is predominantly white, with a significant African American minority. The county's demographics have changed over time, with many African Americans leaving the area during the Great Migration.

Government and Infrastructure

Neshoba County is governed by a Board of Supervisors, which oversees the administration of county services and infrastructure. The county has a public school system, with several schools serving students from kindergarten to high school. Philadelphia, Mississippi, the county seat, is home to Philadelphia High School and Neshoba Central High School. The county is also served by the Neshoba County Hospital, which provides medical care to residents.

Culture and Notable People

Neshoba County has a rich cultural heritage, with a strong tradition of music and cuisine. The county is home to several blues musicians, including Bobby Rush and John Lee Hooker. Philadelphia, Mississippi, is also known for its catfish farms and literary heritage, with authors like Eudora Welty and William Faulkner drawing inspiration from the region.

Legacy and Historical Commemoration

Neshoba County's complex history and legacy continue to be commemorated and studied today. The Mississippi Civil Rights Museum, located in Jackson, Mississippi, has an exhibit dedicated to the Mississippi Burning murders and the civil rights movement in Neshoba County. The Neshoba County Historical Society also works to preserve the county's history and promote tourism. In 2014, the Neshoba County Board of Supervisors officially apologized for the county's role in the Mississippi Burning murders, marking a significant step towards reconciliation and healing.

Category:Neshoba County, Mississippi Category:US Civil Rights Movement Category:Mississippi counties Category:Philadelphia, Mississippi