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Mississippi County, Missouri

A Tapestry of River, Land, and Legacy: An in-depth exploration of Missouri's easternmost county, tracing its rich history, diverse demographics, and unique geographical identity.

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Overview

Heart of the Bootheel

Mississippi County is strategically situated in the distinctive "Bootheel" region of the U.S. state of Missouri, with its eastern boundary defined by the majestic Mississippi River. Established on February 14, 1845, the county derives its name directly from this iconic waterway, which has profoundly shaped its history and character.[3] Charleston serves as both the county seat and its largest city, acting as a central hub for the region.

A Unique Geographical Stance

Notably, Mississippi County holds the distinction of being the easternmost county in Missouri, and indeed, the easternmost county in the entire United States located west of the Mississippi River. This unique geographical position has influenced its development and connectivity. As of the 2020 census, the county recorded a population of 12,577 residents.[1]

Economic Landscape

In early 2016, Mississippi County was identified as the poorest county in Missouri.[8] This economic indicator highlights the socio-economic challenges faced by the region, often linked to historical shifts in agricultural practices and broader economic trends impacting rural areas.

History

Ancient Lands & Early Settlers

The area now known as Mississippi County was historically referred to as "Tywappity Bottom," a vast and fertile floodplain. Its rich soil, a legacy of seasonal Mississippi River flooding, attracted early inhabitants. In the 1540s, Spanish explorer Hernando De Soto's expeditions reached the Arkansas River and potentially extended into present-day southeastern Missouri, then home to various Native American tribes, including the Osage. By the 1820s, American pioneers, many migrating from southern states like Illinois, Virginia, Kentucky, and Tennessee, were drawn to the region's cheap and fertile lands, establishing agricultural communities.

Charleston's Genesis

The first American settlers arrived in the future site of Charleston around 1830. A pivotal moment occurred seven years later when Thankful Randol sold 22.5 acres to Joseph Moore, who then meticulously laid out the plan for the city of Charleston. Its original design encompassed a 12-block square, officially filed on May 20, 1837. The city's formal incorporation by the General Assembly followed on March 25, 1872, marking its establishment as a significant regional center.[2]

Challenges & Transformations

The late 19th and early 20th centuries brought significant social and economic upheaval. The cultivation of cotton in the 19th century relied heavily on enslaved African-American labor, followed by adjustments to a free labor market post-Civil War. This period also saw a tragic increase in violence against Black Americans, exacerbated by state-level disfranchisement and Jim Crow segregation laws. Mississippi County recorded four lynchings, the second-highest number in Missouri, tied with Callaway County.[4]

Three of these tragic events occurred in Charleston, the county seat, and one in Belmont, Missouri, in 1905. Notable incidents include:

  • July 3, 1910: Sam Fields and Robert Coleman were lynched in Charleston, accused of murder and robbery. This joint lynching was witnessed by a crowd of approximately 1,000 people.[5]
  • December 1924: Roosevelt Grigsby was lynched in Charleston by a mob of 200, following accusations of attempted rape.[5][6]

Economically, the turn of the 20th century saw timber barons exploit the virgin forests. Following extensive clearing, state-supported levee construction and drainage districts, notably the Little River Drainage District, reclaimed thousands of acres. This highly fertile land, enriched by centuries of river flooding, was then used for large-scale cultivation of cotton, corn, and wheat. More recently, soybeans and rice have become significant industrial commodity crops.

Geography

Physical Dimensions

Mississippi County encompasses a total area of 429 square miles (1,110 kmยฒ). Of this, 412 square miles (1,070 kmยฒ) constitute land, while 17 square miles (44 kmยฒ) are water, accounting for approximately 4.0% of its total area.[7] This composition highlights the significant presence of waterways, particularly the Mississippi River, which defines its eastern border.

Adjacent Jurisdictions

The county shares borders with several other counties, both within Missouri and across the Mississippi River in neighboring states. To the north lies Alexander County, Illinois. Across the Mississippi River to the northeast, east, and southeast are Ballard, Carlisle, Hickman, and Fulton Counties in Kentucky, respectively. Within Missouri, Mississippi County borders New Madrid County to the southwest and Scott County to the northwest.

A notable geographical characteristic is the absence of direct highway connections between Mississippi County and any of the four Kentucky counties across the mile-wide Mississippi River. This unique situation, where two U.S. states border each other across a major river without a direct highway link, is largely attributed to the relatively low populations and rural nature of the river counties on both sides.

Major Transportation Routes

The county is traversed by several significant highways that facilitate regional and interstate travel. These include:

  • Interstate 57
  • U.S. Route 60
  • U.S. Route 62
  • Missouri Route 75
  • Missouri Route 77
  • Missouri Route 80
  • Missouri Route 102
  • Missouri Route 105

These routes are vital for commerce, agriculture, and connecting the communities within Mississippi County to broader networks.

Demographics

Population Dynamics

Mississippi County experienced its peak population in 1940. Subsequent decades saw a decline, primarily due to shifts in agricultural practices and increased mechanization, which reduced the demand for manual labor and led to outward migration. The 2000 census reported a population of 13,427, with a density of 32 people per square mile (12 people/kmยฒ). There were 5,840 housing units, averaging 14 units per square mile (5.4/kmยฒ).[14]

The following table illustrates the population trends in Mississippi County from 1850 to 2024, reflecting periods of growth and decline.[9][10][11][12][13]

Census Year Population % Change
1850 3,123 โ€”
1860 4,859 55.6%
1870 4,982 2.5%
1880 9,270 86.1%
1890 10,134 9.3%
1900 11,837 16.8%
1910 14,557 23.0%
1920 12,860 โˆ’11.7%
1930 15,762 22.6%
1940 23,149 46.9%
1950 22,551 โˆ’2.6%
1960 20,695 โˆ’8.2%
1970 16,647 โˆ’19.6%
1980 15,726 โˆ’5.5%
1990 14,442 โˆ’8.2%
2000 13,427 โˆ’7.0%
2010 14,358 6.9%
2020 12,577 โˆ’12.4%
2024 (Estimate) 12,577 (based on 2020) โ€”

Racial & Ethnic Composition

The demographic makeup of Mississippi County reflects a blend of racial and ethnic groups. According to the 2000 census, the population was predominantly White (77.93%), with a significant African American community (20.53%). Smaller percentages identified as Native American (0.25%), Asian (0.11%), Pacific Islander (0.01%), other races (0.29%), and two or more races (0.89%). Hispanic or Latino individuals of any race constituted approximately 0.96% of the population.[14]

The 2020 Census data shows a slight shift in the racial composition:[15]

Race Number Percentage
White (Non-Hispanic) 8,814 70.00%
Black or African American (Non-Hispanic) 3,060 24.33%
Native American (Non-Hispanic) 33 0.26%
Asian (Non-Hispanic) 20 0.16%
Pacific Islander (Non-Hispanic) 0 0.00%
Other/Mixed (Non-Hispanic) 427 3.40%
Hispanic or Latino 223 1.80%

Socioeconomic Landscape

Household data from 2000 reveals that 31.20% of households included children under 18, 47.70% were married couples, and 17.30% were female householders without a husband present. Non-family households accounted for 31.80%, with 28.50% being individuals and 14.40% consisting of someone living alone aged 65 or older. The average household size was 2.44, and the average family size was 2.98. The median age in the county was 37 years. The median household income was $28,837, and the median family income was $35,554. The per capita income was $16,847. Poverty rates were significant, with 19.00% of families and 23.70% of the population living below the poverty line, including 31.70% of those under 18 and 21.70% of those aged 65 or over.[14]

Religious Affiliation

Mississippi County is situated within the "Bible Belt," a region known for its strong adherence to evangelical Protestantism. According to the Association of Religion Data Archives County Membership Report (2000), the majority of religious adherents in the county identify with evangelical Protestant denominations. The most prominent among these are Southern Baptists (53.88%), followed by Methodists (13.70%), and Christian Churches and Churches of Christ (7.55%). This religious landscape reflects a deeply rooted cultural and social fabric within the community.

Education

Educational Attainment

For adults aged 25 and older in Mississippi County, educational attainment statistics indicate that 61.1% possess a high school diploma or higher. A smaller, yet significant, portionโ€”9.6%โ€”holds a bachelor's degree or higher as their highest educational achievement. These figures provide insight into the general educational background of the adult population within the county.

Local School Districts

The county is served by three distinct school districts, each providing comprehensive educational programs from pre-kindergarten through high school. These districts are:

  • Charleston R-I School District: Serving Charleston, it includes Warren E. Hearnes Elementary School (PK-05), Charleston Middle School (06-08), and Charleston High School (09-12).[17]
  • East Prairie R-II School District: Located in East Prairie, this district comprises East Prairie Elementary School (PK-04), East Prairie Middle School (05-08), and East Prairie High School (09-12).[18]
  • Scott County R-IV School District: Based in Benton, it includes Kelly Elementary School (K-05), Kelly Middle School (06-08), and Thomas W. Kelly High School (09-12).[19]

Additionally, St. Henry's School in Charleston offers private education for grades 1-8, operating under the Roman Catholic Church.[20]

Higher Learning & Resources

For post-secondary education, Mississippi County falls within the service area of Three Rivers College, providing accessible higher education opportunities to its residents.[22] Complementing formal education, the Mississippi County Library District serves as a vital public resource, offering access to information, learning materials, and community programs for all ages.[21]

Community

Populated Places

Mississippi County is home to a variety of communities, ranging from incorporated cities and villages to census-designated places and numerous unincorporated settlements. These communities form the social and economic fabric of the county, each contributing to its unique character.

Cities and Villages:

  • Anniston
  • Bertrand
  • Charleston (county seat)
  • East Prairie
  • Miner (mostly in Scott County)
  • Pinhook
  • Wilson City
  • Wyatt

Census-Designated Place:

  • Whiting

Unincorporated Communities:

  • Alfalfa Center
  • Bird's Point
  • Buckeye
  • Catalpa
  • Deventer
  • Dogwood
  • Dorena
  • Henson
  • Pulltight
  • Samos
  • Texas Bend
  • Wolf Island

Politics

Local Governance

Mississippi County's local government is managed by a range of elected officials responsible for various administrative and public services. These positions are crucial for the daily operation and long-term development of the county, reflecting the political preferences of its residents.

Office Official Party
Assessor Lisa Finley-Norton Republican
Circuit Clerk Christina Turner Republican
County Clerk Emily Pullen Republican
Collector Cyndi Hensley Republican
Commissioner (presiding) James Conn Republican
Commissioner (district 1) Mitch Pullen Republican
Commissioner (district 2) Darrell Jones Republican
Coroner Terry A. Parker Democratic
Prosecuting Attorney Claire Poley Republican
Public Administrator Melissa Fisher Davis Republican
Recorder George Bays Democratic
Sheriff Britton Ferrell Republican
Treasurer Paul Moore Republican

State & Federal Representation

At the state level, Mississippi County is divided between two districts in the Missouri House of Representatives: the northern portion is part of House District 148, represented by State Representative Holly Rehder (R), while the southern portion falls under House District 149, represented by State Representative Don Rone (R). The entire county is encompassed within Missouri's 25th District in the Missouri Senate, currently represented by State Senator Jason Bean (R). Federally, Mississippi County is part of Missouri's 8th Congressional District, with Jason T. Smith (R-Salem) serving in the U.S. House of Representatives.[23][24][25]

Political Culture & Trends

Historically, Mississippi County exhibited a strong Democratic leaning from its founding in 1845 through 2000, with only two exceptions: voting for Constitutional Unionist John Bell in 1860 and Republican Richard Nixon in 1972. However, a significant shift occurred in 2004 when George W. Bush became only the second Republican to carry the county. This trend solidified, with the county consistently voting Republican in presidential elections since 2004, demonstrating an increasing Republican vote share in each subsequent election.[26][27]

The county's political culture is characterized by socially and culturally conservative principles, yet it often displays a more moderate or populist stance on economic issues. This aligns with what was historically termed the "white conservative Dixiecrat philosophy" among southern Democrats, a political identity that has evolved significantly since African Americans regained voting rights.

Key examples of this political dynamic include:

  • 2004 Constitutional Amendment: Missourians voted on a constitutional amendment to define marriage as the union between a man and a woman. It passed overwhelmingly in Mississippi County with 86.87% of the vote, reflecting strong social conservatism.
  • 2006 Constitutional Amendment: A proposal to fund and legalize embryonic stem cell research in the state failed in Mississippi County, with 57.35% voting against it, contrasting with the statewide passage.
  • 2006 Minimum Wage Proposition: Proposition B, aimed at increasing the state's minimum wage to $6.50 an hour, passed in Mississippi County with 75.66% support, demonstrating a populist economic inclination that resonated across all Missouri counties.

During the 2008 presidential primary, voters in Mississippi County, across both major parties, supported candidates who ultimately finished in second place at both the state and national levels. Hillary Clinton (D-New York) garnered the most votes (1,094) among all candidates in the county's primary that year.

United States Presidential Election Results for Mississippi County, Missouri:

Year Republican (No.) Republican (%) Democratic (No.) Democratic (%) Third Party(ies) (No.) Third Party(ies) (%)
1888 787 36.97% 1,312 61.63% 30 1.41%
1892 734 35.70% 1,240 60.31% 82 3.99%
1896 1,074 39.01% 1,673 60.77% 6 0.22%
1900 1,020 42.03% 1,384 57.03% 23 0.95%
1904 1,161 47.41% 1,229 50.18% 59 2.41%
1908 1,320 44.75% 1,589 53.86% 41 1.39%
1912 1,050 39.49% 1,388 52.20% 221 8.31%
1916 1,330 40.76% 1,874 57.43% 59 1.81%
1920 2,193 46.87% 2,442 52.19% 44 0.94%
1924 1,797 41.69% 2,360 54.76% 153 3.55%
1928 1,999 43.37% 2,602 56.45% 8 0.17%
1932 1,687 34.73% 3,136 64.55% 35 0.72%
1936 2,552 37.88% 4,160 61.75% 25 0.37%
1940 3,073 41.18% 4,362 58.46% 27 0.36%
1944 1,944 31.59% 4,182 67.97% 27 0.44%
1948 1,293 21.86% 4,592 77.63% 30 0.51%
1952 2,380 35.36% 4,331 64.35% 19 0.28%
1956 2,111 36.62% 3,653 63.38% 0 0.00%
1960 2,629 40.55% 3,855 59.45% 0 0.00%
1964 1,665 29.31% 4,015 70.69% 0 0.00%
1968 1,421 26.82% 2,303 43.46% 1,575 29.72%
1972 2,727 64.97% 1,470 35.03% 0 0.00%
1976 1,733 33.87% 3,366 65.79% 17 0.33%
1980 2,459 44.08% 3,040 54.49% 80 1.43%
1984 2,502 49.78% 2,524 50.22% 0 0.00%
1988 2,218 43.99% 2,814 55.81% 10 0.20%
1992 1,675 29.45% 3,226 56.73% 786 13.82%
1996 1,595 30.39% 3,235 61.63% 419 7.98%
2000 2,395 45.93% 2,756 52.85% 64 1.23%
2004 2,903 54.79% 2,374 44.81% 21 0.40%
2008 3,034 56.65% 2,247 41.95% 75 1.40%
2012 2,997 60.91% 1,858 37.76% 65 1.32%
2016 3,600 69.65% 1,458 28.21% 111 2.15%
2020 3,537 74.37% 1,178 24.77% 41 0.86%
2024 3,404 76.51% 1,015 22.81% 30 0.67%

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References

References

  1.  Map of White Supremacy mob violence, 1835 - 1964, Monroe Work Today
A full list of references for this article are available at the Mississippi County, Missouri Wikipedia page

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