Abandoned Ante-Bellum Plantation House, Vicksburg, Mississippi

Abandoned Ante-Bellum Plantation House, Vicksburg, Mississippi- photograph taken in 1936 by Walker Evans American (Saint Louis, Missouri, 1903 - 1975, New Haven, Connecticut) | gelatin silver print

Issaquena County, Mississippi

Issaquena County is a county located in the Mississippi Delta region of the U.S. state of Mississippi. As of 2010, the population was 1,406, making it the smallest county by population in Mississippi. Its county seat is Mayersville. Issaquena is a Native American word which means Deer River. The county is highly based on agriculture.

Slavery

Issaquena County is notable for its participation in slavery. In 1860, 92.5% of Issaquena County's total population were slaves, the highest concentration of slaves in the United States. The U.S. Census for that year showed that 7,244 slaves were held in Issaquena County, and of 115 slave owners, 39 held 77 or more slaves. Dr. Stephen Duncan of Issaquena County held 858 slaves, second only to Joshua John Ward of South Carolina.

Major highways

• U.S. Route 61
• Mississippi Highway 1
• Mississippi Highway 14
• Mississippi Highway 16

Adjacent counties

• Washington County (north)
• Sharkey County (northeast)
• Yazoo County (east)
• Warren County (south)
• East Carroll Parish, Louisiana (west)
• Chicot County, Arkansas (northwest)

Communities

• Towns
  • Mayersville

• Unincorporated places
  • Fitler
  • Grace
  • Valley Park

Education

There are no schools located in Issaquena County. Students attend campuses in neighboring Sharkey and Washington counties.

• Public School Districts
  • South Delta School District – Based in Rolling Fork; Serves most of Issaquena County including Mayersville.
  • Western Line School District – Based in Avon; Serves northwestern portion of Issaquena County.

• Private Schools
  • Sharkey-Issaquena Academy – Located in Rolling Fork; Enrollment open to Issaquena County residents.

Famous Natives

• Muddy Waters, Blues Musician (1913–1983)
• Eliza Winston, Notable slave

External Links

• Blackwell v. Issaquena County Board of Education, an important 1965 civil rights legal case
• National Register of Historic Places listings in Issaquena County, Mississippi
• Sharkey-Issaquena Academy 
• Western Line School District 
• South Delta School District
• Valley Park
• Grace 
• Fitler 
• Mayersville 
• Mississippi Delta 
• Issaquena County Courthouse Pictures

 Source: Internet