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 COPIAH COUNTY
Was organized in 1823 as the state's 18th county and ranks 7th in total area. The name is an Indian word meaning "Calling Panther".
CRYSTAL SPRINGS
Named after the bubbling springs found west of the city, in 1823 a Methodist preacher settled what we now know as Crystal Springs. The construction of a church, a school, a grist mill, a lumber mill and several homes followed .By the early 1900's Crystal Springs became known as the largest tomato shipping center in the United States which led to it being known as the "Tomatopolis of the World" one major event in Crystal Springs was the construction of Chautauqua Park. It was constructed by the railroad to supply water to the steam locomotives. Today the park has a 35 acre lake with playgrounds, walking trails and the famous "Tree Top Trail" a wooden walk way overlooking the park. Another attraction is the opening of "Calling Panther" Lake, there is camping, boating, swimming, and fishing for all to enjoy.
Downtown Crystal Springs has dress shops, offices, banks, and many specialty shops. The streets are decorated with trees combining modern technology with the old fashion look. A shopping center located just outside of town has a grocery store and other specialty shops. There are several great places to eat Mexican, chicken, bar-b-que or what ever you are hungry for.
HAZLEHURST
Hazlehurst named for a railroad engineer, was incorporated in 1865. There was a population shift due to the New Orleans, Jackson, and Great Northern Railroad. As Hazlehurst grew the board of supervisors set an election and Hazlehurst became the county seat.
Downtown Hazlehurst has pretty old brick, well groomed streets with dress shops, specialty stores, banks, offices and antique shops. The outlaying area has two shopping centers consisting of grocery stores, specialty shops and larger discount chain stores as well as motels and eating establishments. The " Old Towne Area" features turn of the century buildings which are part of a revival of specialty, gift and antique shops.
WESSON
The Town of Wesson was founded in 1864 during the Civil War by Col. James Madison Wesson. The Mississippi Manufacturing Company was built which produced a fine quality of cotton material it was dubbed as "Mississippi Silk". One year after Edison perfected the light bulb the Mississippi Mills put them to use. It was said the passengers on the evening trains would rush to the windows when passing through Wesson to see the marvelous lights.
Wesson is a town with a glorious past, an outstanding present, and a promising future. In its transition from a milling town to an education town with a community college which ranks at the top scholastically, Wesson is unique. Statistics show that the town is "on the move" with creativity, ingenuity and dedications that exists in the Copiah County town of Wesson.
Copiah-Lincoln Community College located in Wesson offers the public an 18 hole golf course, the Thames Conference Center and the Wolf Den.
Downtown Wesson has two banks, a hardware store, a furniture store, a bed & breakfast, a restaurant and several convenience stores.
GEORGETOWN
Georgetown is located on the Pearl River. Named for one of it's earliest settlers Dr. George, this town was an Indian trading post and boat landing. The town was burned by federal troops in 1863 and was rebuilt, only to be almost destroyed again in 1883 by a tornado. A female academy was established in 1830, a private school in 1850 and a free school a few years later.
Upon entering the town you'll find an old steam locomotive engine one of the first to roll down the tracks. There are several stores in an antique setting in downtown along with a new library and city hall. Several convenience stores and a truck stop are spotted along the highways.
Union Academy, a private school is located in Georgetown
GALLMAN
Named for W.B. Gallman a Baptist minister, school teacher and farmer who settled this town in 1858.In 1880 a depot was constructed on the New Orleans and Great Northern Railroad. In 1870 Gallman had two stores and a post office. A Baptist church was organized in 1879 and a Methodist church in 1887.
The Copiah County Industrial Park is located in Gallman along with the Gallman Complex which consists of a Conference Building and a Rodeo Arena.
Copiah Academy, a private school is located in Gallman.
HOPEWELL
Located along the Pearl River was settled in 1830 by a group from the Carolinas. The original name was Ruby , named for the daughter of the only store owner. When the railroad came through a mile away, the folks moved and chose Hopewell for the name of their new home.
There is now a water park located there along with boat ramps and a convenience store.
IT
No one seems to know just how "It" got its name but was established in 1921. All that remains is a small store and a Baptist Church located in a quiet little community.
BEAUREGARD
In 1857 Bahala was settled only to be renamed for General Gustav Beauregard. It was noted for the best lumber and the size and number of saloons. In 1883 a tornado destroyed all but 3 homes, one of which had 23 rooms and was turned into a hospital. Many people died there and stories about haunting began. Mysterious flagging of the Illinois Central Railroad became so annoying that special detectives were called in but the flagging were never resolved. It has been said a reward is offered to anyone who can stay the night in that house alone.
A town hall and a Methodist Church make up most of this community located on the side of the railroad tracks.
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