Chickasaw County, Mississippi

Chickasaw County Education, Geography, and History

Chickasaw County is a county located in the state of Mississippi. Based on the 2010 census, the population was 17,392. Its county seats are Houston and Okolona. The county is named for the Chickasaw people, who lived in this area for hundreds of years. Most were removed to Indian Territory in the 1830s, but some remained and became citizens of the state and United States.

Etymology - Origin of Chickasaw County Name

Chickasaw is named for the Chickasaw Native American people.

Demographics:

County QuickFacts: CensusBureau Quick Facts

Chickasaw County History

Chickasaw County was established February 9, 1836, during the administration of Gov. Charles Lynch. It was named for the Chickasaw Indians and was part of the territory ceded by that tribe in the treaty of Pontotoc, October 20, 1832. Indian philologists derive the word Chickasaw from chikasha (rebellion), probably referring to the separation of the nation from the Creeks and Choctaws.

Chickasaw County has a land surface of 501 square miles. Its original area was about 30 townships, or 1,080 square miles, which has been reduced to its present territory by portions taken from it in the formation of Clay, Webster and Calhoun counties. Houston and Okalona are the County seats.

The County Courthouse was destroyed by fire in 1863, most records were destroyed.

Geography: Land and Water

As reported by the Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 504 square miles (1,306 km²), of which, 502 square miles (1,299 km²) of it is land and 3 square miles (7 km²) of it (0.54%) is water.

Neighboring Counties

Bordering counties are as follows:

• Pontotoc County (north)
• Lee County (northeast)
• Monroe County (east)
• Clay County (southeast)
• Wesbter County (southwest)
• Calhoun County (west)

Education

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