Cities and Towns in Claiborne County, Mississippi
Founded in 1802, Claiborne County is one of 82 counties in the state of Mississippi. Historically, Claiborne County was formed from Jefferson (Pickering) County. The city of Port Gibson is the county seat. With FIPS code of 21, Claiborne County has a population of 8,908 and area of 487 square miles (1,261 km²).
List of all cities in Claiborne County, MS alphabetically
| City/Town | Postal Code | Area Code |
| Carlisle, MS | 39086 | 601/769 |
| Carpenter, MS | 39086 | 601/769 |
| Grand Gulf, MS | 39150 | 601/769 |
| Hermanville, MS | 39086 | 601/769 |
| Pattison, MS | 39144 | 601/769 |
| Port Gibson, MS | 39150 | 601/769 |
Major Cities and Towns in Claiborne County, Mississippi
Port Gibson
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude
- Area: Approximately 1.8 square miles
- Population: Around 1,500 (latest estimate)
- Zip Code: 39150
- Latitude: 31.9607° N
- Longitude: 90.9843° W
Location and History
Port Gibson, the county seat of Claiborne County, is located along the Mississippi River in the southwestern part of Mississippi. Established in 1803, Port Gibson is one of the oldest towns in the state and has a rich history that played a significant role during the Civil War. Known for its beauty and historical significance, Union General Ulysses S. Grant famously remarked that Port Gibson was “too beautiful to burn” during his campaign, which helped spare the town from destruction. The area was a strategic location during the Civil War, particularly during the Vicksburg Campaign, which led to the town’s preservation and its eventual historical significance. Today, Port Gibson retains much of its historic charm, with numerous antebellum structures and landmarks that reflect its storied past.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Port Gibson is part of the Claiborne County School District, with Port Gibson High School being a central educational institution. Notable landmarks include the Windsor Ruins, the remains of a grand antebellum mansion that attract tourists interested in Mississippi’s history. The First Presbyterian Church, famous for its golden hand pointing to the sky, is another significant landmark. The Grand Gulf Military Park, just outside Port Gibson, commemorates Civil War battles and offers a glimpse into the area’s military history. Each spring, the Port Gibson Heritage Festival celebrates the town’s cultural and historical legacy, bringing the community together and drawing visitors from around the region.
Hermanville
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude
- Area: Approximately 1.0 square mile
- Population: Around 800 (latest estimate)
- Zip Code: 39086
- Latitude: 31.9171° N
- Longitude: 90.8760° W
Location and History
Hermanville is a small community located in the northern part of Claiborne County, just east of the Mississippi River. Founded in the late 19th century, Hermanville was originally established as a railway town, with the Illinois Central Railroad running through the area. The town grew as a hub for agricultural trade, particularly in cotton and timber, which formed the backbone of its economy. Although small, Hermanville played a role in Mississippi’s rural development, with its railroad station serving as a lifeline for local farmers and merchants. The community has maintained its agricultural roots and remains a quiet, close-knit town with deep historical ties to the land and traditional southern values.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Hermanville’s educational needs are served by the Claiborne County School District, with students attending schools in nearby Port Gibson. Landmarks in Hermanville include historic churches and community buildings that reflect the town’s heritage as an agricultural and railway hub. The nearby Natchez Trace Parkway offers scenic views and recreational opportunities for residents and visitors alike. The community celebrates its rural heritage with local events and gatherings that emphasize the values of family and community, making Hermanville a charming part of Claiborne County’s rural landscape.
Pattison
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude
- Area: Approximately 1.2 square miles
- Population: Around 500 (latest estimate)
- Zip Code: 39144
- Latitude: 31.7943° N
- Longitude: 90.9059° W
Location and History
Pattison is a small unincorporated community located in the southern part of Claiborne County. Established in the 1800s, Pattison developed as an agricultural town surrounded by farmland that produced cotton, corn, and other staple crops. The town’s rural setting and fertile soil contributed to its growth as a farming community, and it became an essential supplier of agricultural products for the region. Despite its modest size, Pattison has a rich history tied to Mississippi’s agricultural traditions. With a few remaining historic buildings and family farms, Pattison retains the charm of a classic southern rural community where the pace of life is slower, and neighbors share close bonds.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Students in Pattison attend schools within the Claiborne County School District, with most educational facilities located in Port Gibson. Key landmarks in Pattison include historic homes and family-owned farms that have been passed down through generations. The town’s location near the Natchez Trace Parkway provides access to scenic trails and outdoor activities. Annual gatherings and church events foster a strong sense of community, celebrating Pattison’s agricultural heritage and the traditions that define rural life in Mississippi. Residents appreciate the town’s quiet, peaceful environment and its connection to the land.
Alcorn State University (Lorman)
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude
- Area: University campus covers approximately 1,700 acres
- Population: Around 4,000 students (enrollment estimate)
- Zip Code: 39096
- Latitude: 31.8769° N
- Longitude: 91.1380° W
Location and History
Located near Lorman in southern Claiborne County, Alcorn State University is Mississippi’s oldest public historically Black land-grant university, founded in 1871. Originally established as Alcorn University, named in honor of Governor James L. Alcorn, the school was the first Black land-grant college in the United States and aimed to provide educational opportunities for African Americans in the post-Civil War South. The campus is set in a rural area surrounded by fields and forests, providing a tranquil setting for students. Alcorn State University has played a vital role in the education of African Americans in Mississippi and has a storied legacy in the fields of agriculture, science, and the liberal arts. Today, it remains an important educational institution, attracting students from across the state and country.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Alcorn State University itself is the key educational institution in this area of Claiborne County, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs. The campus features historical landmarks such as the Oakland Memorial Chapel, an iconic building that dates back to the early days of the university and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Other notable sites include the Alcorn State University Historic District, which preserves several buildings of architectural and historical significance. The university hosts a variety of cultural events, lectures, and performances, enriching the local community and offering insights into the historical and educational contributions of Alcorn State to Mississippi and the nation.
