History of Benton County, Mississippi
Benton County, located in northern Mississippi, was established in 1836, named in honor of Thomas Hart Benton, a U.S. Senator from Missouri known for his support of westward expansion. The county is historically significant for its agricultural roots, particularly cotton farming, and its involvement in the turbulent events of the Civil War. Over time, Benton County has remained primarily rural, with a strong agricultural economy. Today, the county continues to celebrate its rich heritage while embracing the challenges of modern development and preserving its historical landmarks for future generations.
Origins of Benton County
Native American Presence
Before the arrival of European settlers, the land that would become Benton County was inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Chickasaw and Choctaw peoples. These indigenous tribes thrived in the fertile regions along the Tombigbee River and its tributaries. They practiced agriculture, hunting, and fishing, with corn, beans, and squash forming the staples of their diet.
The arrival of European settlers in the late 18th and early 19th centuries dramatically altered the landscape. The U.S. government’s policies of westward expansion, particularly the Indian Removal Act of 1830, led to the forced relocation of the Native American tribes in the region to reservations in what is now Oklahoma. Following this, settlers began to populate the area, attracted by its rich soil and favorable climate for farming.
Establishment and Early Growth of Benton County
Benton County was officially formed in 1836 from parts of Tippah County and Marshall County, which were in turn split from earlier land grants. Its establishment was part of the broader effort to create new counties as the Mississippi Territory expanded. The county was named after Thomas Hart Benton, who was a strong advocate for American expansion and the settlement of the western territories.
Benton County’s early economy was driven by agriculture, particularly cotton. With its fertile soil and ideal climate, the county became a major producer of cotton, which played a central role in the Southern economy. The region saw an influx of European settlers, mainly from the Upper South, who brought their knowledge of plantation farming. By the mid-19th century, Benton County was a thriving agricultural community, heavily dependent on enslaved labor to cultivate cotton.
Key Historical Events
The Civil War Era
Benton County, like much of Mississippi, was deeply affected by the Civil War. As a part of the Confederate South, the county’s economy was closely tied to slavery, with many large cotton plantations relying on enslaved African Americans for labor. The county’s residents largely supported the Confederacy during the war, contributing soldiers to the Confederate Army.
Although Benton County did not see large-scale battles like some other parts of Mississippi, it was significantly impacted by the war. Many men from the county served in various Confederate regiments, and like much of the South, Benton County endured hardships during and after the war. The disruption of the agricultural economy, as well as the loss of life and resources, left a deep mark on the region. After the war, Benton County, like the rest of the South, faced the challenges of Reconstruction, including the transition from a slave-based economy to a free labor system.
Post-Civil War: Reconstruction and Economic Recovery
After the Civil War, Benton County’s economy struggled to recover, as did much of Mississippi. The agricultural economy that had once thrived on cotton faced significant challenges. Reconstruction policies and the abolition of slavery led to social upheaval and economic instability. The county’s reliance on cotton farming continued, but now it was necessary to find laborers willing to work on the farms.
During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Benton County’s economic base shifted somewhat. While cotton remained an important crop, other agricultural industries, such as corn, tobacco, and livestock, began to supplement the county’s economy. The rise of sharecropping, in which formerly enslaved African Americans worked the land in exchange for a portion of the crops, became widespread in Benton County and the broader Mississippi Delta.
20th Century: Industrialization and Decline of Agriculture
The early 20th century saw the gradual decline of Benton County’s cotton industry, as mechanization and the rise of large-scale farming reduced the need for small, labor-intensive farms. The Great Depression further exacerbated this shift, as farmers faced significant economic difficulties. The agricultural economy began to diversify, with more emphasis placed on livestock and crops like soybeans and corn.
At the same time, Benton County saw some industrial development, including the establishment of small factories and the expansion of transportation infrastructure. However, the county remained primarily rural, and agriculture remained the dominant economic activity throughout much of the 20th century.
Historical Sites in Benton County
1. Benton County Courthouse
Overview:
The Benton County Courthouse in Ashland is one of the county’s most prominent historical landmarks. Built in the late 19th century, the courthouse stands as a testament to the region’s historical development. Its architectural style is a blend of traditional Southern and Colonial Revival influences, which were popular during the late 1800s. The building has been meticulously preserved and serves as a central hub for county government. It is also a great example of the architectural trends in small-town Mississippi during the post-Civil War era.
Location:
Benton County Courthouse, 204 N 2nd St, Ashland, MS 38603
Ticket Price:
Free
Parking Information:
Free parking is available in the courthouse parking lot and on surrounding streets.
2. Tallahatchie Flats Historic Site
Overview:
The Tallahatchie Flats Historic Site is a significant area for those interested in Benton County’s African American history. The site includes remnants of the Tallahatchie River and the former location of several plantation homes. After the Civil War, the area was home to a growing African American community, many of whom worked on local farms as sharecroppers. The site today serves as a reminder of the struggles and resilience of African Americans in Benton County and the broader Mississippi Delta during and after Reconstruction.
Location:
Located on Highway 4, near the Tallahatchie River, Benton County, MS
Ticket Price:
Free
Parking Information:
Limited parking available along Highway 4.
3. Ashland Historic District
Overview:
The Ashland Historic District is a charming collection of historic buildings in the county seat of Benton County. Ashland, established in the early 19th century, has a collection of homes and buildings that reflect the county’s growth and evolution from a small frontier settlement to a thriving rural community. The district includes several antebellum homes, churches, and businesses that offer a glimpse into life in the 1800s. Visitors can take self-guided walking tours to explore the architecture and learn about the area’s history.
Location:
Downtown Ashland, MS
Ticket Price:
Free
Parking Information:
Free parking is available in downtown Ashland.
4. Hickman’s Store and Plantation
Overview:
One of the most significant plantation sites in Benton County is Hickman’s Store and Plantation, which offers insights into the region’s antebellum history. This plantation was established in the early 1800s and was one of the largest cotton plantations in the area. Visitors can explore the original store building, which once served as the trading post for the plantation’s cotton and other goods. The site also includes several restored buildings and exhibits related to slavery, plantation life, and the cotton industry.
Location:
Hickman’s Store and Plantation, County Road 67, Benton County, MS
Ticket Price:
$5 for adults, $3 for children
Parking Information:
Ample parking is available on-site.
County Facts
Geography and Climate
Benton County is located in the northern part of Mississippi, bordered by Tippah County to the east and Marshall County to the west. The county covers an area of approximately 406 square miles, with a variety of landscapes ranging from rolling hills to fertile farmland. Benton County lies within the Tombigbee Hills region, which is known for its rich soil and agricultural productivity.
The county is characterized by a humid subtropical climate, with hot, humid summers and mild winters. Average summer temperatures range from 80°F to 95°F, while winter temperatures typically hover around 40°F to 50°F. The region receives about 50 inches of rainfall annually, supporting the growth of crops such as cotton, corn, and soybeans.
County Facts:
- Year Founded: 1836
- County Seat: Ashland
- Population: 8,667 (2020 Census)
- Population Density: 21.3 people per square mile
- Largest Cities: Ashland, Michigan City, Saulsbury
- Major Highways: U.S. Route 72, Mississippi Highway 5, Mississippi Highway 4
- Adjacent Counties:
- Tippah County (east)
- Marshall County (west)
- Calhoun County (south)
- Lafayette County (southwest)
- Alcorn County (north)