About Wilkinson County

Located on the southwest edge of the Magnolia State along the Mississippi River, Wilkinson County is ideal for those looking for a quiet life in the countryside. This county has something for everyone, from its rich history and diverse attractions to its local celebrities and hunting land opportunities. Let’s explore some of the highlights of this charming rural area.

History

This Mississippi county was formed in 1802 from part of the Choctaw Nation’s ancestral lands. Named after General James Wilkinson, a Revolutionary War military leader and first governor of the Louisiana Territory, it was initially inhabited by Native Americans and early settlers who farmed tobacco and other crops. The county seat is Woodville, home to less than 1,000 people. By 1820, cotton production had become the primary industry in the county. Wilkinson remained predominantly agricultural until after World War II, when industries such as timber harvesting, woodworking, and chemical production began to move into the area.

Notable People

Wilkinson County has been home to many notable people throughout its history. Jefferson Davis grew up in Woodville before he became president of the Confederacy. His family plantation and home, known as Rosemont, are available for the public to visit and see how life was in the early 1800s.

Another great and notable person from Wilkinson County is Anne Moody, a civil rights activist and author. She is best known for her memoir, Coming of Age in Mississippi (1968), and her work with the NAACP and CORE. Her memoir was selected as the best book of the year by the National Library Association and translated into seven languages. She later published Mr. Death (1975), a collection of short stories. After her work advancing civil rights, she moved around, living in New Orleans, New York, Europe, and back to MS where she passed away in 2015.

Last but not least, Dr. William Grant Still is another notable county native, better known as the “Dean of African-American Classical Composers.” He was a man of many firsts, including being the first African American in the United States to have a symphony performed by a major symphony orchestra and the first African American to conduct a major symphony orchestra in the United States. He was a pioneer for African Americans in the classical music space. He received many awards, including a trophy from the A.P.P.A. in Washington D.C. (1968), the Phi Beta Sigma George Washington Carver Award (1953), the Richard Henry Lee Patriotism Award from Knotts Berry Farm, California, and many more.

Local Attractions

Take a look around Wilkinson, and you’ll find a variety of attractions visitors can enjoy year-round. The Woodville Museum features artifacts from the Civil War era and exhibits Native American culture and early European settlers’ lifestyles. In addition, several historic churches are located throughout the county, with stunning architecture dating back to colonial times. Here is a comprehensive list from the county website:

• Clark Creek Natural Area
• Harris Plantation
• Homochitto National Forest
• Lessley Mound
• Things to See & Do
• Museums
• Wilkinson County Museum
• The Camp Van Dorn WWI Museum
• The Africa American Museum
• National Register of Historic Places
• Rosemont Plantation
• Wilkinson County Park
• Woodville Deer & Wildlife Festival
• Woodville Main Street

 

Hunting Land Opportunities

The county is well-known for excellent hunting opportunities thanks to its abundant wildlife population, including white-tailed deer, wild turkeys, gator, and rabbits, among other species that roam freely through the forests and swamps. This makes Wilkinson an ideal spot for hunters looking to purchase land or vacation homes near their favorite hunting grounds. Hunting leases are available on private land throughout the county.

Mud Lake, also known as Foster Lake, and Lake Mary are two popular lakes to go hunting. Lake Mary is an oxbow off the Mississippi River and offers excellent fishing and gator hunting. The land around it is privately owned, but there are hunting camps nearby. Foster Lake, just 12.7 miles from Woodville, is a beautiful body of water home to a variety of fish, including catfish, bass, white perch, bream, bare fish and more.

Realtor in Wilkinson County

With its rich history and diverse outdoor opportunities, Wilkinson County is a fantastic place to live or visit; there’s something for everyone! Whether you’re looking for a quiet country life or somewhere beautiful to escape it all, this county is it . Need help finding hunting land or a home? Let McMillan Land and Realty help you. Fill out our contact form below, and someone will contact you shortly.