Updated to include 2020 Census figures, obsolete population estimates removed.
Tags: Reverted references removed
|
#article-section-source-editor
Tags: Mobile edit Mobile app edit iOS app edit
|
||
(30 intermediate revisions by 22 users not shown) | |||
Line 1: | Line 1: | ||
{{short description|County in Mississippi, United States}} |
|||
{{Use mdy dates|date=April 2024}} |
|||
{{Infobox U.S. county |
{{Infobox U.S. county |
||
| county = Sunflower County |
| county = Sunflower County |
||
| state = Mississippi |
| state = Mississippi |
||
| seal = |
| seal = |
||
| founded = 1844 |
| founded = 1844 |
||
| seat wl= Indianola |
| seat wl = Indianola |
||
| largest city wl= Indianola |
| largest city wl = Indianola |
||
| area_total_sq_mi = 707 |
| area_total_sq_mi = 707 |
||
| area_land_sq_mi = 698 |
| area_land_sq_mi = 698 |
||
| area_water_sq_mi = 9.2 |
| area_water_sq_mi = 9.2 |
||
| area percentage = 1.3 |
| area percentage = 1.3 |
||
| population_as_of = 2020 |
| population_as_of = 2020 |
||
| population_total = 25971 |
| population_total = 25971 |
||
| pop_est_as_of = |
|||
| population_density_sq_mi = auto |
|||
| population_est = |
|||
| web = http://www.sunflowercounty.ms.gov/Pages/Default.aspx |
|||
| population_density_sq_mi = auto |
|||
| ex image = Sunflower County Courthouse.jpg |
|||
| website = {{URL| https://www.sunflowercounty.ms.gov| sunflowercounty.ms.gov}} |
|||
| ex image size = |
|||
| ex image |
| ex image = Sunflower County Courthouse.jpg |
||
| ex image size = |
|||
| district = 2nd |
|||
| ex image cap = Sunflower County Courthouse |
|||
| time zone = Central |
|||
| district = 2nd |
|||
|named for=[[Sunflower River]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=kLAtYrpEl80C&q=%22Sunflower+river%22|title=Soil survey of Sunflower County, Mississippi|date=May 17, 1959|publisher=USDA|via=Google Books}}</ref> |
|||
| time zone = Central |
|||
| named for = [[Sunflower River]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=kLAtYrpEl80C&q=%22Sunflower+river%22|title=Soil survey of Sunflower County, Mississippi|date=May 17, 1959|publisher=USDA|via=Google Books}}</ref> |
|||
}} |
}} |
||
'''Sunflower County''' is a [[County (United States)|county]] located in the [[U.S. state]] of [[Mississippi]]. As of the [[ |
'''Sunflower County''' is a [[County (United States)|county]] located in the [[U.S. state]] of [[Mississippi]]. As of the [[2020 United States Census|2020 census]], the population was 25,971.<ref>{{cite web|title=Census - Geography Profile: Sunflower County, Mississippi|url=https://data.census.gov/profile/Sunflower_County,_Mississippi?g=0500000US28133|publisher=[[United States Census Bureau]]|access-date=January 15, 2023}}</ref> Its largest city and [[county seat]] is [[Indianola, Mississippi|Indianola]].<ref name="GR6">{{cite web|url=http://www.naco.org/Counties/Pages/FindACounty.aspx|access-date=June 7, 2011|title=Find a County|publisher=National Association of Counties}}</ref> |
||
Sunflower County comprises the Indianola, MS [[Micropolitan Statistical Area]], which is included in the [[Cleveland, Mississippi|Cleveland]]-Indianola, MS [[Combined Statistical Area]]. It is located in the [[Mississippi Delta]] region. |
Sunflower County comprises the Indianola, MS [[Micropolitan Statistical Area]], which is included in the [[Cleveland, Mississippi|Cleveland]]-Indianola, MS [[Combined Statistical Area]]. It is located in the [[Mississippi Delta]] region. |
||
Line 29: | Line 33: | ||
==History== |
==History== |
||
Sunflower County was created in 1844. The land mass encompassed most of Sunflower and Leflore Counties as we know them today. The first seat of government was Clayton, located near Fort Pemberton. Later the county seat was moved to McNutt, also in |
Sunflower County was created in 1844. The land mass encompassed most of Sunflower and Leflore Counties as we know them today. The first seat of government was Clayton, located near Fort Pemberton. Later the county seat was moved to [[McNutt, Mississippi|McNutt]], also in present-day Leflore County. When Sunflower and Leflore counties were separated in 1871, the new county seat for Sunflower County was moved to Johnsonville. This village was located where the north end of Mound Bayou empties into the [[Sunflower River]]. In 1882 the county seat was moved to Eureka, which was later renamed Indianola.<ref>Hemphill, Marie M. (1980). ''Fevers, Floods and Faith — A History of Sunflower County Mississippi, 1844–1976''.<!-- publishing info needed --></ref> [[Boyer Cemetery]], located in [[Boyer, Mississippi|Boyer]], goes back to the early days of Sunflower County.{{Citation needed|date=February 2012}} |
||
After the [[U.S. Civil War]], across several decades [[African American]]s migrated to Sunflower County to work in the [[Mississippi Delta]]. In 1870, 3,243 black people lived in Sunflower County. This increased to 12,070 in 1900, making up 75% of the residents in Sunflower County. Between 1900 and 1920, the black population almost tripled.<ref name="Moye28">Moye, J. Todd. ''[[Let the People Decide: Black Freedom and White Resistance Movements in Sunflower County, Mississippi, 1945-1986]]''. [[University of North Carolina Press]], November 29, 2004. [https://books.google.com/books?id=KZ4IoG1nQuUC&dq=Parchman+%22middle+of+nowhere%22&pg=PA28 28]. Retrieved from [[Google Books]] on February 26, 2012; {{ISBN|0-8078-5561-8}}, {{ISBN|978-0-8078-5561-4}}</ref> |
|||
The [[Boyer Cemetery]], located in [[Boyer, Mississippi|Boyer]], goes back to the early days of Sunflower County.{{Citation needed|date=February 2012}} |
|||
After the [[U.S. Civil War]], across several decades [[African American]]s migrated to Sunflower County to work in the [[Mississippi Delta]]. In 1870, 3,243 black people lived in Sunflower County. This increased to 12,070 in 1900, making up 75% of the residents in Sunflower County. Between 1900 and 1920, the black population almost tripled.<ref name="Moye28">Moye, J. Todd. ''[[Let the People Decide: Black Freedom and White Resistance Movements in Sunflower County, Mississippi, 1945-1986]]''. [[University of North Carolina Press]], November 29, 2004. [https://books.google.com/books?id=KZ4IoG1nQuUC&pg=PA28&lpg=PA28&dq=Parchman+%22middle+of+nowhere%22&source=bl&ots=8iErWRgWxk&sig=w7ZwTFf-eOlI4OxQU1Kp-1DVQsw&hl=en&sa=X&ei=p4pJT8fNHsjItgfLp5juAg&ved=0CEYQ6AEwBg#v=onepage&q=Parchman%20%22middle%20of%20nowhere%22&f=false 28]. Retrieved from [[Google Books]] on February 26, 2012. {{ISBN|0-8078-5561-8}}, {{ISBN|978-0-8078-5561-4}}.</ref> |
|||
==Geography== |
==Geography== |
||
According to the [[U.S. Census Bureau]], the county has a total area of {{convert|707|sqmi}}, of which {{convert|698|sqmi}} is land and {{convert|9.2|sqmi}} (1.3%) is water.<ref name="GR1">{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov/geo/maps-data/data/docs/gazetteer/counties_list_28.txt|publisher=United States Census Bureau|access-date=November 7, 2014|date=August 22, 2012|title=2010 Census Gazetteer Files|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130928074019/http://www.census.gov/geo/maps-data/data/docs/gazetteer/counties_list_28.txt|archive-date=September 28, 2013}}</ref> Sunflower County is the longest county in Mississippi. The traveling distance from the southern boundary at [[Caile, Mississippi|Caile]] to its northern boundary at [[Rome, Mississippi|Rome]] is approximately 71 miles. |
According to the [[U.S. Census Bureau]], the county has a total area of {{convert|707|sqmi}}, of which {{convert|698|sqmi}} is land and {{convert|9.2|sqmi}} (1.3%) is water.<ref name="GR1">{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov/geo/maps-data/data/docs/gazetteer/counties_list_28.txt|publisher=United States Census Bureau|access-date=November 7, 2014|date=August 22, 2012|title=2010 Census Gazetteer Files|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130928074019/http://www.census.gov/geo/maps-data/data/docs/gazetteer/counties_list_28.txt|archive-date=September 28, 2013}}</ref> Sunflower County is the longest county in Mississippi. The traveling distance from the southern boundary at [[Caile, Mississippi|Caile]] to its northern boundary at [[Rome, Mississippi|Rome]] is approximately 71 miles. |
||
The center of the county is about {{convert|30|mi|km}} east of the [[Mississippi River]], about {{convert|40|mi|km}} west of the hill section of Mississippi, {{convert|100|mi|km}} north of [[Jackson, Mississippi|Jackson]], and about {{convert|100|mi|km}} south of [[Memphis, Tennessee]].<ref>"[http://www.sunflower.k12.ms.us/demograp.html Demographics for Sunflower County Schools] {{Webarchive|url=https:// |
The center of the county is about {{convert|30|mi|km}} east of the [[Mississippi River]], about {{convert|40|mi|km}} west of the hill section of Mississippi, {{convert|100|mi|km}} north of [[Jackson, Mississippi|Jackson]], and about {{convert|100|mi|km}} south of [[Memphis, Tennessee]].<ref>"[http://www.sunflower.k12.ms.us/demograp.html Demographics for Sunflower County Schools] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120309091451/http://www.sunflower.k12.ms.us/demograp.html |date=2012-03-09 }}." [[Sunflower County School District]]. Retrieved on August 17, 2010.</ref> |
||
===Adjacent counties=== |
===Adjacent counties=== |
||
Line 68: | Line 70: | ||
|2010= 29450 |
|2010= 29450 |
||
|2020= 25971 |
|2020= 25971 |
||
|estyear=2023 |
|||
|estimate=24468 |
|||
|estref=<ref name="USCensusEst2023">{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/popest/data/tables.html|title=Annual Estimates of the Resident Population for Counties: April 1, 2020 to July 1, 2023|publisher=United States Census Bureau|access-date=April 5, 2024}}</ref> |
|||
|align-fn=center |
|align-fn=center |
||
|footnote=U.S. Decennial Census<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/decennial-census.html|title=U.S. Decennial Census|publisher=United States Census Bureau|access-date=November 7, 2014}}</ref><br />1790-1960<ref>{{cite web|url=http://mapserver.lib.virginia.edu|title=Historical Census Browser|publisher=University of Virginia Library|access-date=November 7, 2014}}</ref> 1900-1990<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov/population/cencounts/ms190090.txt|title=Population of Counties by Decennial Census: 1900 to 1990|publisher=United States Census Bureau|access-date=November 7, 2014}}</ref><br />1990-2000<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov/population/www/cen2000/briefs/phc-t4/tables/tab02.pdf|title=Census 2000 PHC-T-4. Ranking Tables for Counties: 1990 and 2000|publisher=United States Census Bureau|access-date=November 7, 2014}}</ref> 2010-2013<ref name="QF"/> |
|footnote=U.S. Decennial Census<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/decennial-census.html|title=U.S. Decennial Census|publisher=United States Census Bureau|access-date=November 7, 2014}}</ref><br />1790-1960<ref>{{cite web|url=http://mapserver.lib.virginia.edu|title=Historical Census Browser|publisher=University of Virginia Library|access-date=November 7, 2014}}</ref> 1900-1990<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov/population/cencounts/ms190090.txt|title=Population of Counties by Decennial Census: 1900 to 1990|publisher=United States Census Bureau|access-date=November 7, 2014}}</ref><br />1990-2000<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov/population/www/cen2000/briefs/phc-t4/tables/tab02.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100327165705/http://www.census.gov/population/www/cen2000/briefs/phc-t4/tables/tab02.pdf |archive-date=March 27, 2010 |url-status=live|title=Census 2000 PHC-T-4. Ranking Tables for Counties: 1990 and 2000|publisher=United States Census Bureau|access-date=November 7, 2014}}</ref> 2010-2013<ref name="QF">{{cite web|title=State & County QuickFacts|url=http://quickfacts.census.gov/qfd/states/28/28133.html|publisher=United States Census Bureau|access-date=September 5, 2013|archive-date=June 7, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110607052432/http://quickfacts.census.gov/qfd/states/28/28133.html|url-status=dead}}</ref> |
||
}} |
}} |
||
The county reached its peak population in 1930. After that, population declined from 1940 to 1990. There was considerable migration out of the rural county, especially as mechanization reduced the need for farm labor. Both whites and blacks left the county. Many African Americans migrated north or west to industrial cities to escape the social oppression and violence of [[Jim Crow]], especially moving in the [[Great Migration (African American)|Great Migration]] during and after World War II, when the defense industry on the West Coast attracted many. |
The county reached its peak population in 1930. After that, population declined from 1940 to 1990. There was considerable migration out of the rural county, especially as mechanization reduced the need for farm labor. Both whites and blacks left the county. Many African Americans migrated north or west to industrial cities to escape the social oppression and violence of [[Jim Crow]], especially moving in the [[Great Migration (African American)|Great Migration]] during and after World War II, when the defense industry on the West Coast attracted many. |
||
===2020 census=== |
|||
{| class="wikitable" |
|||
|+Sunflower County Racial Composition<ref>{{Cite web|title=Explore Census Data|url=https://data.census.gov/cedsci/table?g=0500000US28133&tid=DECENNIALPL2020.P2|access-date=December 7, 2021|website=data.census.gov}}</ref> |
|||
!Race |
|||
!Num. |
|||
!Perc. |
|||
|- |
|||
|[[White (U.S. Census)|White]] |
|||
|6,729 |
|||
|25.91% |
|||
|- |
|||
|[[African American (U.S. Census)|Black or African American]] |
|||
|18,077 |
|||
|69.6% |
|||
|- |
|||
|[[Native American (U.S. Census)|Native American]] |
|||
|19 |
|||
|0.07% |
|||
|- |
|||
|[[Asian (U.S. Census)|Asian]] |
|||
|84 |
|||
|0.32% |
|||
|- |
|||
|[[Pacific Islander (U.S. Census)|Pacific Islander]] |
|||
|3 |
|||
|0.01% |
|||
|- |
|||
|[[Race (United States Census)|Other/Mixed]] |
|||
|401 |
|||
|1.54% |
|||
|- |
|||
|[[Hispanic (U.S. Census)|Hispanic]] or [[Latino (U.S. Census)|Latino]] |
|||
|661 |
|||
|2.55% |
|||
|} |
|||
As of the [[2020 United States Census]], there were 25,971 people, 8,322 households, and 5,292 families residing in the county. |
|||
===2010 census=== |
|||
As of the [[2010 United States Census]], there were 29,450 people living in the county. 72.9% were [[African American|black or African American]], 25.4% [[White American|white]], 0.3% [[Asian American|Asian]], 0.2% [[Native Americans in the United States|Native American]], 0.6% of some other race and 0.5% [[Multiracial American|of two or more races]]. 1.4% were [[Hispanic and Latino Americans|Hispanic or Latino]] (of any race). |
As of the [[2010 United States Census]], there were 29,450 people living in the county. 72.9% were [[African American|black or African American]], 25.4% [[White American|white]], 0.3% [[Asian American|Asian]], 0.2% [[Native Americans in the United States|Native American]], 0.6% of some other race and 0.5% [[Multiracial American|of two or more races]]. 1.4% were [[Hispanic and Latino Americans|Hispanic or Latino]] (of any race). |
||
===2000 census=== |
|||
As of the [[census]]<ref name="GR2">{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov|publisher=[[United States Census Bureau]]|access-date=2008-01-31|title=U.S. Census website}}</ref> of 2000, there were 34,369 people, 9,637 households, and 7,314 families living in the county. The [[population density]] was 50 people per square mile (19/km<sup>2</sup>). There were 10,338 housing units at an average density of 15 per square mile (6/km<sup>2</sup>). The racial makeup of the county was 69.86% [[Race (United States Census)|Black]] or [[Race (United States Census)|African American]], 28.88% [[Race (United States Census)|White]], 0.09% [[Race (United States Census)|Native American]], 0.40% [[Race (United States Census)|Asian]], 0.48% from [[Race (United States Census)|other races]], and 0.28% from two or more races. 1.30% of the population were [[Race (United States Census)|Hispanic]] or [[Race (United States Census)|Latino]] of any race. |
|||
As of the [[census]]<ref name="GR2">{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov|publisher=[[United States Census Bureau]]|access-date=January 31, 2008|title=U.S. Census website}}</ref> of 2000, there were 34,369 people, 9,637 households, and 7,314 families living in the county. The [[population density]] was {{convert|50|/mi2|/km2|disp=preunit|people |people|}}. There were 10,338 housing units at an average density of {{convert|15|/mi2|/km2|disp=preunit|units |units|}}. The racial makeup of the county was 69.86% [[Race (United States Census)|Black]] or [[Race (United States Census)|African American]], 28.88% [[Race (United States Census)|White]], 0.09% [[Race (United States Census)|Native American]], 0.40% [[Race (United States Census)|Asian]], 0.48% from [[Race (United States Census)|other races]], and 0.28% from two or more races. 1.30% of the population were [[Race (United States Census)|Hispanic]] or [[Race (United States Census)|Latino]] of any race. |
|||
===1990 census=== |
|||
As of the [[census]]<ref name="GR2" /> of 1990, there were 32,341 people. The racial makeup of the county was 71.89% [[Race (United States Census)|Black]] or [[Race (United States Census)|African American]], 26.40% [[Race (United States Census)|White]] or [[Race (United States Census)|European American]], 0.12% [[Race (United States Census)|Native American]], 0.60% [[Race (United States Census)|Asian]], 0.50% from [[Race (United States Census)|other races]], and 0.28% from two or more races. 1.31% of the population were [[Race (United States Census)|Hispanic]] or [[Race (United States Census)|Latino]] of any race. |
As of the [[census]]<ref name="GR2" /> of 1990, there were 32,341 people. The racial makeup of the county was 71.89% [[Race (United States Census)|Black]] or [[Race (United States Census)|African American]], 26.40% [[Race (United States Census)|White]] or [[Race (United States Census)|European American]], 0.12% [[Race (United States Census)|Native American]], 0.60% [[Race (United States Census)|Asian]], 0.50% from [[Race (United States Census)|other races]], and 0.28% from two or more races. 1.31% of the population were [[Race (United States Census)|Hispanic]] or [[Race (United States Census)|Latino]] of any race. |
||
===1980 census=== |
|||
As of the [[census]]<ref name="GR2" /> of 1980, there were 30,402 people. The racial makeup of the county was 73.88% [[Race (United States Census)|Black]] or [[Race (United States Census)|African American]], 24.45% [[Race (United States Census)|White]] or [[Race (United States Census)|European American]], 0.15% [[Race (United States Census)|Native American]], 0.80% [[Race (United States Census)|Asian]], 0.52% from [[Race (United States Census)|other races]], and 0.28% from two or more races. 1.32% of the population were [[Race (United States Census)|Hispanic]] or [[Race (United States Census)|Latino]] of any race. |
|||
As of the [[census]]<ref name="GR2" /> of 1980, there were 30,402 people. The racial makeup of the county was 73.88% [[Race (United States Census)|Black]] or [[Race (United States Census)|African American]], 24.45% [[Race (United States Census)|White]] or [[Race (United States Census)|European American]], 0.15% [[Race (United States Census)|Native American]], 0.80% [[Race (United States Census)|Asian]], 0.52% from [[Race (United States Census)|other races]], and 0.28% from two or more races. 1.32% of the population were [[Race (United States Census)|Hispanic]] or [[Race (United States Census)|Latino]] of any race. |
|||
As of the [[census]]<ref name="GR2" /> of 2000, there were 9,637 households, out of which 38.40% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 42.30% were married couples living together, 28.40% had a female householder with no husband present, and 24.10% were non-families. 21.20% of all households were made up of individuals, and 9.70% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 3.01 and the average family size was 3.50. |
As of the [[census]]<ref name="GR2" /> of 2000, there were 9,637 households, out of which 38.40% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 42.30% were married couples living together, 28.40% had a female householder with no husband present, and 24.10% were non-families. 21.20% of all households were made up of individuals, and 9.70% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 3.01 and the average family size was 3.50. |
||
Line 95: | Line 141: | ||
The [[Mississippi Department of Corrections]] (MDOC) is responsible for the state's correctional services, probation services, and parole services. MDOC operates the [[Mississippi State Penitentiary]] (MSP; colloquially known as 'Parchman Farm') in the [[unincorporated community]] of Parchman in Sunflower County and a probation and parole office in the Courthouse Annex in [[Indianola, Mississippi|Indianola]].<ref>"[http://www.mdoc.state.ms.us/MDOCmap/support/sunflower.htm Sunflower County]." [[Mississippi Department of Corrections]]. Retrieved on September 14, 2010.</ref> |
The [[Mississippi Department of Corrections]] (MDOC) is responsible for the state's correctional services, probation services, and parole services. MDOC operates the [[Mississippi State Penitentiary]] (MSP; colloquially known as 'Parchman Farm') in the [[unincorporated community]] of Parchman in Sunflower County and a probation and parole office in the Courthouse Annex in [[Indianola, Mississippi|Indianola]].<ref>"[http://www.mdoc.state.ms.us/MDOCmap/support/sunflower.htm Sunflower County]." [[Mississippi Department of Corrections]]. Retrieved on September 14, 2010.</ref> |
||
MSP, a prison for men,<ref name="Stateprisons">"[http://www.mdoc.state.ms.us/division_of_institutions%20State%20Prisons.htm State Prisons] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20021206092421/http://www.mdoc.state.ms.us/division_of_institutions%20State%20Prisons.htm |date=2002-12-06 }}." [[Mississippi Department of Corrections]]. Retrieved on May 21, 2010.</ref><ref>"[http://www.mdoc.state.ms.us/mdoc%20quick%20reference.htm MDOC QUICK REFERENCE]." [[Mississippi Department of Corrections]]. Retrieved on May 21, 2010.</ref> is the location of the State of Mississippi male death row and the State of Mississippi execution chamber.<ref name="MississippiDR">"[http://www.mdoc.state.ms.us/division_of_institutions%20State%20Prisons.htm Division of Institutions State Prisons] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20021206092421/http://www.mdoc.state.ms.us/division_of_institutions%20State%20Prisons.htm |date=2002-12-06 }}." [[Mississippi Department of Corrections]]. April 21, 2010. Retrieved on May 21, 2010.</ref><ref>Martin, Nathan. "[http://leadercall.com/homepage/x1593265578/Wilcher-gets-reprieve?keyword=leadpicturestory Wilcher gets reprieve] {{webarchive|url=https://archive.today/20110713193411/http://leadercall.com/homepage/x1593265578/Wilcher-gets-reprieve?keyword=leadpicturestory |date=2011-07-13 }}." ''[[Laurel Leader-Call]]''. July 12, 2006. Retrieved on July 21, 2010.</ref> Around the time of MSP's opening in 1901, Sunflower County residents objected to having executions performed at MSP because they feared that Sunflower County would be stigmatized as a "death county |
MSP, a prison for men,<ref name="Stateprisons">"[http://www.mdoc.state.ms.us/division_of_institutions%20State%20Prisons.htm State Prisons] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20021206092421/http://www.mdoc.state.ms.us/division_of_institutions%20State%20Prisons.htm |date=2002-12-06 }}." [[Mississippi Department of Corrections]]. Retrieved on May 21, 2010.</ref><ref>"[http://www.mdoc.state.ms.us/mdoc%20quick%20reference.htm MDOC QUICK REFERENCE]." [[Mississippi Department of Corrections]]. Retrieved on May 21, 2010.</ref> is the location of the State of Mississippi male death row and the State of Mississippi execution chamber.<ref name="MississippiDR">"[http://www.mdoc.state.ms.us/division_of_institutions%20State%20Prisons.htm Division of Institutions State Prisons] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20021206092421/http://www.mdoc.state.ms.us/division_of_institutions%20State%20Prisons.htm |date=2002-12-06 }}." [[Mississippi Department of Corrections]]. April 21, 2010. Retrieved on May 21, 2010.</ref><ref>Martin, Nathan. "[http://leadercall.com/homepage/x1593265578/Wilcher-gets-reprieve?keyword=leadpicturestory Wilcher gets reprieve] {{webarchive|url=https://archive.today/20110713193411/http://leadercall.com/homepage/x1593265578/Wilcher-gets-reprieve?keyword=leadpicturestory |date=2011-07-13 }}." ''[[Laurel Leader-Call]]''. July 12, 2006. Retrieved on July 21, 2010.</ref> Around the time of MSP's opening in 1901, Sunflower County residents objected to having executions performed at MSP because they feared that Sunflower County would be stigmatized as a "death county". Therefore, the State of Mississippi originally performed executions of condemned criminals in their counties of conviction. By the 1950s residents of Sunflower County were still opposed to the concept of housing the execution chamber at MSP. In September 1954, Governor [[Hugh L. White|Hugh White]] called for a special session of the [[Mississippi Legislature]] to discuss the application of the death penalty.<ref name="MissPrisonHistory">Cabana, Donald A. "[http://mshistory.k12.ms.us/articles/84/history-of-capital-punishment-in-mississippi-an-overview The History of Capital Punishment in Mississippi: An Overview] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101007141542/http://mshistory.k12.ms.us/articles/84/history-of-capital-punishment-in-mississippi-an-overview |date=2010-10-07 }}." ''Mississippi History Now''. [[Mississippi Historical Society]]. Retrieved on August 16, 2010.</ref> During that year, an [[execution chamber]] was installed at MSP.<ref name="HistExec">"[http://www.mdoc.state.ms.us/mississippi_and_the_death_penalt.htm Mississippi and the Death Penalty] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100811065255/http://www.mdoc.state.ms.us/mississippi_and_the_death_penalt.htm |date=2010-08-11 }}." [[Mississippi Department of Corrections]]. Retrieved on August 12, 2010.</ref> |
||
{{PresHead|place=Sunflower County, Mississippi|whig=no|source1=<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://uselectionatlas.org/RESULTS|title=Dave Leip's Atlas of U.S. Presidential Elections|last=Leip|first=David|website=uselectionatlas.org|access-date=March 4, 2018}}</ref>}} |
|||
{{Hidden begin |
|||
<!-- PresRow should be {{PresRow|Year|Winning party|GOP/Whig vote #|Dem vote #|3rd party vote #|State}} --> |
|||
|titlestyle = background:#ccccff; |
|||
{{PresRow|2020|Democratic|2,799|6,781|101|Mississippi}} |
|||
|title = Presidential elections results |
|||
{{PresRow|2016|Democratic|2,794|6,725|79|Mississippi}} |
|||
}} |
|||
{{PresRow|2012|Democratic|2,929|8,199|100|Mississippi}} |
|||
{| align="center" border="2" cellpadding="4" cellspacing="0" style="float:right; margin: 1em 1em 1em 0; border: 1px #aaa solid; border-collapse: collapse; font-size: 95%;" |
|||
{{PresRow|2008|Democratic|3,245|7,838|110|Mississippi}} |
|||
|+ '''Presidential elections results'''<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://uselectionatlas.org/RESULTS|title=Dave Leip's Atlas of U.S. Presidential Elections|last=Leip|first=David|website=uselectionatlas.org|access-date=2018-03-04}}</ref> |
|||
{{PresRow|2004|Democratic|3,534|6,359|122|Mississippi}} |
|||
|- bgcolor=lightgrey |
|||
{{PresRow|2000|Democratic|3,369|4,981|65|Mississippi}} |
|||
! Year |
|||
{{PresRow|1996|Democratic|2,926|4,960|339|Mississippi}} |
|||
! [[Republican Party (United States)|Republican]] |
|||
{{PresRow|1992|Democratic|3,726|5,050|615|Mississippi}} |
|||
! [[Democratic Party (United States)|Democratic]] |
|||
{{PresRow|1988|Democratic|4,362|4,898|29|Mississippi}} |
|||
! [[Third party (United States)|Third parties]] |
|||
{{PresRow|1984|Republican|5,178|4,913|20|Mississippi}} |
|||
|- |
|||
{{PresRow|1980|Democratic|3,728|5,035|164|Mississippi}} |
|||
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|'''[[United States presidential election in Mississippi, 2020|2020]]''' |
|||
{{PresRow|1976|Democratic|3,456|4,322|246|Mississippi}} |
|||
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Republican}}|28.9% ''2,799'' |
|||
{{PresRow|1972|Republican|5,389|1,874|92|Mississippi}} |
|||
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|'''70.0%''' ''6,781'' |
|||
{{PresRow|1968|American Independent|1,036|2,602|3,932|Mississippi}} |
|||
| style="text-align:center; background:honeyDew;"|1.0% ''101'' |
|||
{{PresRow|1964|Republican|4,127|251|0|Mississippi}} |
|||
|- |
|||
{{PresRow|1960|Dixiecrat|1,177|1,033|1,241|Mississippi}} |
|||
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|'''[[United States presidential election in Mississippi, 2016|2016]]''' |
|||
{{PresRow|1956|Democratic|520|1,585|1,015|Mississippi}} |
|||
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Republican}}|29.1% ''2,794'' |
|||
{{PresRow|1952|Democratic|2,007|2,049|0|Mississippi}} |
|||
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|'''70.1%''' ''6,725'' |
|||
{{PresRow|1948|Dixiecrat|55|136|2,482|Mississippi}} |
|||
| style="text-align:center; background:honeyDew;"|0.8% ''79'' |
|||
{{PresRow|1944|Democratic|155|2,799|0|Mississippi}} |
|||
|- |
|||
{{PresRow|1940|Democratic|71|3,071|0|Mississippi}} |
|||
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|'''[[United States presidential election in Mississippi, 2012|2012]]''' |
|||
{{PresRow|1936|Democratic|21|2,508|0|Mississippi}} |
|||
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Republican}}|26.1% ''2,929'' |
|||
{{PresRow|1932|Democratic|34|2,411|5|Mississippi}} |
|||
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|'''73.0%''' ''8,199'' |
|||
{{PresRow|1928|Democratic|88|2,676|0|Mississippi}} |
|||
| style="text-align:center; background:honeyDew;"|0.9% ''100'' |
|||
{{PresRow|1924|Democratic|76|1,694|0|Mississippi}} |
|||
|- |
|||
{{PresRow|1920|Democratic|47|1,060|9|Mississippi}} |
|||
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|'''[[United States presidential election in Mississippi, 2008|2008]]''' |
|||
{{PresRow|1916|Democratic|20|879|2|Mississippi}} |
|||
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Republican}}|29.0% ''3,245'' |
|||
{{PresFoot|1912|Democratic|9|462|29|Mississippi}} |
|||
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|'''70.0%''' ''7,838'' |
|||
| style="text-align:center; background:honeyDew;"|1.0% ''110'' |
|||
|- |
|||
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|'''[[United States presidential election in Mississippi, 2004|2004]]''' |
|||
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Republican}}|35.3% ''3,534'' |
|||
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|'''63.5%''' ''6,359'' |
|||
| style="text-align:center; background:honeyDew;"|1.2% ''122'' |
|||
|- |
|||
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|'''[[United States presidential election in Mississippi, 2000|2000]]''' |
|||
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Republican}}|40.0% ''3,369'' |
|||
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|'''59.2%''' ''4,981'' |
|||
| style="text-align:center; background:honeyDew;"|0.8% ''65'' |
|||
|- |
|||
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|'''[[United States presidential election in Mississippi, 1996|1996]]''' |
|||
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Republican}}|35.6% ''2,926'' |
|||
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|'''60.3%''' ''4,960'' |
|||
| style="text-align:center; background:honeyDew;"|4.1% ''339'' |
|||
|- |
|||
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|'''[[United States presidential election in Mississippi, 1992|1992]]''' |
|||
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Republican}}|39.7% ''3,726'' |
|||
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|'''53.8%''' ''5,050'' |
|||
| style="text-align:center; background:honeyDew;"|6.6% ''615'' |
|||
|- |
|||
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|'''[[United States presidential election in Mississippi, 1988|1988]]''' |
|||
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Republican}}|47.0% ''4,362'' |
|||
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|'''52.7%''' ''4,898'' |
|||
| style="text-align:center; background:honeyDew;"|0.3% ''29'' |
|||
|- |
|||
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Republican}}|'''[[United States presidential election in Mississippi, 1984|1984]]''' |
|||
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Republican}}|'''51.2%''' ''5,178'' |
|||
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|48.6% ''4,913'' |
|||
| style="text-align:center; background:honeyDew;"|0.2% ''20'' |
|||
|- |
|||
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|'''[[United States presidential election in Mississippi, 1980|1980]]''' |
|||
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Republican}}|41.8% ''3,728'' |
|||
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|'''56.4%''' ''5,035'' |
|||
| style="text-align:center; background:honeyDew;"|1.8% ''164'' |
|||
|- |
|||
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|'''[[United States presidential election in Mississippi, 1976|1976]]''' |
|||
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Republican}}|43.1% ''3,456'' |
|||
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|'''53.9%''' ''4,322'' |
|||
| style="text-align:center; background:honeyDew;"|3.1% ''246'' |
|||
|- |
|||
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Republican}}|'''[[United States presidential election in Mississippi, 1972|1972]]''' |
|||
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Republican}}|'''73.3%''' ''5,389'' |
|||
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|25.5% ''1,874'' |
|||
| style="text-align:center; background:honeyDew;"|1.3% ''92'' |
|||
|- |
|||
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/American Independent}}|'''[[United States presidential election in Mississippi, 1968|1968]]''' |
|||
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Republican}}|13.7% ''1,036'' |
|||
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|34.4% ''2,602'' |
|||
| style="text-align:center; background:honeyDew;"|'''51.9%''' ''3,932'' |
|||
|- |
|||
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Republican}}|'''[[United States presidential election in Mississippi, 1964|1964]]''' |
|||
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Republican}}|'''94.3%''' ''4,127'' |
|||
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|5.7% ''251'' |
|||
| style="text-align:center;| |
|||
|- |
|||
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Dixiecrat}}|'''[[United States presidential election in Mississippi, 1960|1960]]''' |
|||
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Republican}}|34.1% ''1,177'' |
|||
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|29.9% ''1,033'' |
|||
| style="text-align:center; background:honeyDew;"|'''36.0%''' ''1,241'' |
|||
|- |
|||
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|'''[[United States presidential election in Mississippi, 1956|1956]]''' |
|||
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Republican}}|16.7% ''520'' |
|||
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|'''50.8%''' ''1,585'' |
|||
| style="text-align:center; background:honeyDew;"|32.5% ''1,015'' |
|||
|- |
|||
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|'''[[United States presidential election in Mississippi, 1952|1952]]''' |
|||
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Republican}}|49.5% ''2,007'' |
|||
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|'''50.5%''' ''2,049'' |
|||
| style="text-align:center;| |
|||
|- |
|||
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Dixiecrat}}|'''[[United States presidential election in Mississippi, 1948|1948]]''' |
|||
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Republican}}|2.1% ''55'' |
|||
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|5.1% ''136'' |
|||
| style="text-align:center; background:honeyDew;"|'''92.9%''' ''2,482'' |
|||
|- |
|||
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|'''1944''' |
|||
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Republican}}|5.3% ''155'' |
|||
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|'''94.8%''' ''2,799'' |
|||
| style="text-align:center;| |
|||
|- |
|||
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|'''1940''' |
|||
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Republican}}|2.3% ''71'' |
|||
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|'''97.7%''' ''3,071'' |
|||
| style="text-align:center;| |
|||
|- |
|||
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|'''1936''' |
|||
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Republican}}|0.8% ''21'' |
|||
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|'''99.2%''' ''2,508'' |
|||
| style="text-align:center;| |
|||
|- |
|||
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|'''1932''' |
|||
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Republican}}|1.4% ''34'' |
|||
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|'''98.4%''' ''2,411'' |
|||
| style="text-align:center; background:honeyDew;"|0.2% ''5'' |
|||
|- |
|||
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|'''1928''' |
|||
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Republican}}|3.2% ''88'' |
|||
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|'''96.8%''' ''2,676'' |
|||
| style="text-align:center;| |
|||
|- |
|||
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|'''1924''' |
|||
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Republican}}|4.3% ''76'' |
|||
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|'''95.7%''' ''1,694'' |
|||
| style="text-align:center;| |
|||
|- |
|||
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|'''1920''' |
|||
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Republican}}|4.2% ''47'' |
|||
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|'''95.0%''' ''1,060'' |
|||
| style="text-align:center; background:honeyDew;"|0.8% ''9'' |
|||
|- |
|||
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|'''1916''' |
|||
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Republican}}|2.2% ''20'' |
|||
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|'''97.6%''' ''879'' |
|||
| style="text-align:center; background:honeyDew;"|0.2% ''2'' |
|||
|- |
|||
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|'''1912''' |
|||
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Republican}}|1.8% ''9'' |
|||
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|'''92.4%''' ''462'' |
|||
| style="text-align:center; background:honeyDew;"|5.8% ''29'' |
|||
|} |
|||
{{Hidden end}} |
|||
==Economy== |
==Economy== |
||
In December 2011, Sunflower County's unemployment rate was 16.2%. The Mississippi statewide rate was 9.9%, and the U.S. overall unemployment rate was 8.3%.<ref>[http://blog.gulflive.com/mississippi-press-news/2012/02/senate_votes_to_merge_3_sunflo.html Senate votes to merge 3 Sunflower school districts]." ''[[Associated Press]]'' at ''gulflive.com'', Alabama Live LLC. Wednesday February 8, 2012 |
In December 2011, Sunflower County's unemployment rate was 16.2%. The Mississippi statewide rate was 9.9%, and the U.S. overall unemployment rate was 8.3%.<ref>[http://blog.gulflive.com/mississippi-press-news/2012/02/senate_votes_to_merge_3_sunflo.html Senate votes to merge 3 Sunflower school districts]." ''[[Associated Press]]'' at ''gulflive.com'', Alabama Live LLC. Wednesday February 8, 2012. Retrieved March 25, 2012.</ref> |
||
{{As of|2012}} it was one of the poorest counties in the United States.<ref name="Bryantsigns">Wright, Chance. "[http://www.bolivarcom.com/view/full_story/18309176/article-Bryant-signs-school-merger Bryant signs school merger] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140602201114/http://www.bolivarcom.com/view/full_story/18309176/article-Bryant-signs-school-merger |date=2014-06-02 }}", ''[[The Bolivar Commercial]]''. Retrieved June 13, 2012.</ref> |
|||
{{As of|2012}} it was one of the poorest counties in the state,<ref>Matthews, Suzette. "[https://archive.today/20130208200305/http://www.theclevelandcurrent.com/index.php/component/content/article/305-senate-votes-to-consolidate-sunflower-schools.html Senate votes to consolidate Sunflower schools]." ([http://www.theclevelandcurrent.com/index.php/component/content/article/305-senate-votes-to-consolidate-sunflower-schools.pdf PDF]{{Dead link|date=July 2018 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}) ''The Cleveland Current''; retrieved June 13, 2012.</ref> and one of the poorest in the United States.<ref name="Bryantsigns">Wright, Chance. "[http://www.bolivarcom.com/view/full_story/18309176/article-Bryant-signs-school-merger Bryant signs school merger] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140602201114/http://www.bolivarcom.com/view/full_story/18309176/article-Bryant-signs-school-merger |date=2014-06-02 }}", ''[[The Bolivar Commercial]]''; retrieved June 13, 2012.</ref> |
|||
==Transportation== |
==Transportation== |
||
Line 278: | Line 200: | ||
====Public schools==== |
====Public schools==== |
||
* '''Public School Districts'''<ref>"[http://www.mde.k12.ms.us/districts/Sunflwr.htm Sunflower County] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110617214544/http://www.mde.k12.ms.us/Districts/Sunflwr.htm |date=2011-06-17 }}." [[Mississippi Department of Education]]. Retrieved on July 20, 2010.</ref> |
* '''Public School Districts'''<ref>"[http://www.mde.k12.ms.us/districts/Sunflwr.htm Sunflower County] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110617214544/http://www.mde.k12.ms.us/Districts/Sunflwr.htm |date=2011-06-17 }}." [[Mississippi Department of Education]]. Retrieved on July 20, 2010.</ref> |
||
** [[Sunflower County Consolidated School District]] - The district is the only school district in Sunflower County.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www2.census.gov/geo/maps/DC2020/PL20/st28_ms/schooldistrict_maps/c28133_sunflower/DC20SD_C28133.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210609212019/https://www2.census.gov/geo/maps/DC2020/PL20/st28_ms/schooldistrict_maps/c28133_sunflower/DC20SD_C28133.pdf |archive-date=June 9, 2021 |url-status=live|title=2020 CENSUS - SCHOOL DISTRICT REFERENCE MAP: Sunflower County, MS|publisher=[[U.S. Census Bureau]]|accessdate=July 18, 2022}} - [https://www2.census.gov/geo/maps/DC2020/PL20/st28_ms/schooldistrict_maps/c28133_sunflower/DC20SD_C28133_SD2MS.txt Text list] - In 2020 there was one school district</ref> |
|||
** [[Sunflower County Consolidated School District]] |
|||
** Former districts: [[Drew School District]], [[Indianola School District]], [[Sunflower County School District]]<ref>2010 Map: {{cite web|url=https://www2.census.gov/geo/maps/dc10map/sch_dist/st28_ms/c28133_sunflower/DC10SD_C28133_001.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121019145210/http://www2.census.gov/geo/maps/dc10map/sch_dist/st28_ms/c28133_sunflower/DC10SD_C28133_001.pdf |archive-date=October 19, 2012 |url-status=live|title=SCHOOL DISTRICT REFERENCE MAP (2010 CENSUS): Sunflower County, MS|publisher=[[U.S. Census Bureau]]|accessdate=July 18, 2022}} - [https://www2.census.gov/geo/maps/dc10map/sch_dist/st28_ms/c28133_sunflower/DC10SD_C28133_SD2MS.txt Text list] - In 2010, there were three school districts</ref> |
|||
** Former districts: [[Drew School District]], [[Indianola School District]], [[Sunflower County School District]] |
|||
Between 2010 and 2012, the State of Mississippi had taken over all three Sunflower County school districts and put them under the conservatorship of the [[Mississippi Department of Education]],<ref name="Wright">Wright, Chance. "[http://www.bolivarcom.com/view/full_story/17471289/article-Senate-passes-school-merger?instance=most_recommended Senate passes school merger] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140602201120/http://www.bolivarcom.com/view/full_story/17471289/article-Senate-passes-school-merger?instance=most_recommended |date=2014-06-02 }}." ''[[Bolivar Commercial]]''. February 2012. Retrieved on March 25, 2012.</ref> due to academic and financial reasons. |
Between 2010 and 2012, the State of Mississippi had taken over all three Sunflower County school districts and put them under the conservatorship of the [[Mississippi Department of Education]],<ref name="Wright">Wright, Chance. "[http://www.bolivarcom.com/view/full_story/17471289/article-Senate-passes-school-merger?instance=most_recommended Senate passes school merger] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140602201120/http://www.bolivarcom.com/view/full_story/17471289/article-Senate-passes-school-merger?instance=most_recommended |date=2014-06-02 }}." ''[[Bolivar Commercial]]''. February 2012. Retrieved on March 25, 2012.</ref> due to academic and financial reasons. In February 2012, the [[Mississippi Senate]] voted 43–4 to pass Senate Bill 2330,toconsolidate the three school districts into one school district. The bill went to the [[Mississippi House of Representatives]].<ref name="Wright"/> |
||
In February 2012 the [[Mississippi Senate]] voted 43–4 to pass Senate Bill 2330, to consolidate the three school districts into one school district. The bill went to the [[Mississippi House of Representatives]].<ref name="Wright"/> |
|||
''[[The Greenwood Commonwealth]]'' said that the county was an "easy target" for school merging due to the difficulties in all three school districts, and that the scenario " |
''[[The Greenwood Commonwealth]]'' said that the county was an "easy target" for school merging due to the difficulties in all three school districts, and that the scenario "doesn't leave them with much leverage to argue in favor of the status quo. And because none of them does well, none of them can object to assuming someone else's headaches. All three are beset with them."<ref>"[http://picayuneitem.com/editorials/x1118844428/Legislature-must-initiate-school-district-consolidation/print Legislature must initiate school district consolidation]", ''[[The Greenwood Commonwealth]]'' at ''[[The Picayune Item]]''. February 17, 2012. Retrieved March 25, 2012.</ref> Later that month, the State Board of Education approved the consolidation of the Drew School District and the Sunflower County School District, and if Senate Bill 2330 is approved, Indianola School District will be added.<ref>"School consolidation approved", ''[[Clarion Ledger]]'', February 17, 2012. Retrieved March 26, 2012.</ref> |
||
In May 2012 [[Governor of Mississippi]] [[Phil Bryant]] signed the bill into law, requiring all three districts to consolidate.<ref name="Bryantsigns"/> SB2330 stipulates that if a county has three school districts all under conservatorship by the Mississippi Department of Education will have them consolidated into one school district serving the entire county.<ref name="Doyle">Doyle, Rory. "[http://www.bolivarcom.com/view/full_story/19593268/article-Drew--Ruleville-prepare-to-merge?instance=main_article Drew, Ruleville prepare to merge] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140602201134/http://www.bolivarcom.com/view/full_story/19593268/article-Drew--Ruleville-prepare-to-merge?instance=main_article |date=2014-06-02 }}." ''[[Bolivar Commercial]]''. Retrieved on August 30, 2012.</ref> As of July 1, 2012, the Drew School District was consolidated with the Sunflower County School District. |
In May 2012 [[Governor of Mississippi]] [[Phil Bryant]] signed the bill into law, requiring all three districts to consolidate.<ref name="Bryantsigns"/> SB2330 stipulates that if a county has three school districts all under conservatorship by the Mississippi Department of Education will have them consolidated into one school district serving the entire county.<ref name="Doyle">Doyle, Rory. "[http://www.bolivarcom.com/view/full_story/19593268/article-Drew--Ruleville-prepare-to-merge?instance=main_article Drew, Ruleville prepare to merge] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140602201134/http://www.bolivarcom.com/view/full_story/19593268/article-Drew--Ruleville-prepare-to-merge?instance=main_article |date=2014-06-02 }}." ''[[Bolivar Commercial]]''. Retrieved on August 30, 2012.</ref> As of July 1, 2012, the Drew School District was consolidated with the Sunflower County School District.{{cn|date=March 2024}} |
||
====Private schools==== |
====Private schools==== |
||
Line 295: | Line 215: | ||
**[[Restoration Ministries Christian Academy]] |
**[[Restoration Ministries Christian Academy]] |
||
The [[Central Delta Academy]] in [[Inverness, Mississippi|Inverness]] closed on May 21, 2010.<ref>"[http://www.centraldeltaacademy.org/page/page/4826505.htm Home] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090905152355/http://www.centraldeltaacademy.org/page/page/4826505.htm |date=2009-09-05 }}." Central Delta Academy. Retrieved |
The [[Central Delta Academy]] in [[Inverness, Mississippi|Inverness]] closed on May 21, 2010.<ref>"[http://www.centraldeltaacademy.org/page/page/4826505.htm Home] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090905152355/http://www.centraldeltaacademy.org/page/page/4826505.htm |date=2009-09-05 }}." Central Delta Academy. Retrieved August 17, 2010.</ref> |
||
All three of the private schools originated as [[segregation academy|segregation academies]].<ref>Moye, J. Todd. ''Let the People Decide: Black Freedom and White Resistance Movements in Sunflower County, Mississippi, 1945-1986''. [[UNC Press Books]], 2004. [https://books.google.com/books?id=KZ4IoG1nQuUC |
All three of the private schools originated as [[segregation academy|segregation academies]].<ref>Moye, J. Todd. ''Let the People Decide: Black Freedom and White Resistance Movements in Sunflower County, Mississippi, 1945-1986''. [[UNC Press Books]], 2004. [https://books.google.com/books?id=KZ4IoG1nQuUC&dq=%22Though+plans+for+Indianola+Academy+had+long%22&pg=PA179 179]. Retrieved from [[Google Books]] on March 2, 2011. {{ISBN|0-8078-5561-8}}, {{ISBN|978-0-8078-5561-4}}</ref><ref>Moye, J. Todd. ''Let the People Decide: Black Freedom and White Resistance Movements in Sunflower County, Mississippi, 1945-1986''. [[UNC Press Books]], 2004. [https://books.google.com/books?id=KZ4IoG1nQuUC&dq=%22Central+Delta+Academy%22&pg=PA243 243]. Retrieved from [[Google Books]] on March 2, 2011.『Sunflower County's two other segregation academies— North Sunflower Academy, between Drew and Ruleville, and Central Delta Academy in Inverness— both sprouted in a similar fashion.』{{ISBN|0-8078-5561-8}}, {{ISBN|978-0-8078-5561-4}}</ref> |
||
[[Pillow Academy]] in unincorporated [[Leflore County, Mississippi|Leflore County]], near [[Greenwood, Mississippi|Greenwood]], enrolls some students from Sunflower County.<ref name="Profile20102011">"[http://www.pillowacademy.com/profile.htm Profile of Pillow Academy 2010-2011] {{webarchive|url=http://webarchive.loc.gov/all/20011201014229/http://www.pillowacademy.com/profile.htm |date=2001-12-01 }}." Pillow Academy. Retrieved on March 25, 2012.</ref> It originally was a segregation academy.<ref>{{cite magazine | url = http://www.jacksonfreepress.com/index.php/site/comments/cearas_season_111809/ | magazine = [[Jackson Free Press]] | title = Ceara's Season | author = Lynch, Adam | date = |
[[Pillow Academy]] in unincorporated [[Leflore County, Mississippi|Leflore County]], near [[Greenwood, Mississippi|Greenwood]], enrolls some students from Sunflower County.<ref name="Profile20102011">"[http://www.pillowacademy.com/profile.htm Profile of Pillow Academy 2010-2011] {{webarchive|url=http://webarchive.loc.gov/all/20011201014229/http://www.pillowacademy.com/profile.htm |date=2001-12-01 }}." Pillow Academy. Retrieved on March 25, 2012.</ref> It originally was a segregation academy.<ref>{{cite magazine | url = http://www.jacksonfreepress.com/index.php/site/comments/cearas_season_111809/ | magazine = [[Jackson Free Press]] | title = Ceara's Season | author = Lynch, Adam | date = November 18, 2009 | access-date = August 19, 2011}}</ref> |
||
===Public libraries=== |
===Public libraries=== |
||
The Sunflower County Library provides library services. The administration is in [[Indianola, Mississippi|Indianola]], and the system operates libraries in [[Drew, Mississippi|Drew]], Indianola, [[Inverness, Mississippi|Inverness]], [[Moorhead, Mississippi|Moorhead]], and [[Ruleville, Mississippi|Ruleville]].<ref>"[http://www.sunflower.lib.ms.us/sunflower/directory.asp Sunflower County Library Directory]." Sunflower County Library. Retrieved |
The Sunflower County Library provides library services. The administration is in [[Indianola, Mississippi|Indianola]], and the system operates libraries in [[Drew, Mississippi|Drew]], Indianola, [[Inverness, Mississippi|Inverness]], [[Moorhead, Mississippi|Moorhead]], and [[Ruleville, Mississippi|Ruleville]].<ref>"[http://www.sunflower.lib.ms.us/sunflower/directory.asp Sunflower County Library Directory]." Sunflower County Library. Retrieved July 21, 2010.</ref> |
||
==Media== |
==Media== |
||
''[[The Enterprise-Tocsin]]'', a newspaper based out of [[Indianola, Mississippi|Indianola]], is distributed throughout Sunflower County.<ref>"[http://enterprise-tocsin.com/pages/about_us about us] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120312123545/http://www.enterprise-tocsin.com/pages/about_us |date=2012-03-12 }}." ''[[The Enterprise-Tocsin]]''. Retrieved on March 4, 2011. "Our office is located at 114 Main St, Indianola."</ref> ''[[The Bolivar Commercial]]'' is also distributed in Sunflower County.<ref>"[http://d2uh5w9wm14i0w.cloudfront.net/sites/1043/assets/bc_masthead1.gif bc_masthead1.gif ''The Bolivar Commercial'' website]; retrieved April 15, 2012.</ref> |
''[[The Enterprise-Tocsin]]'', a newspaper based out of [[Indianola, Mississippi|Indianola]], is distributed throughout Sunflower County.<ref>"[http://enterprise-tocsin.com/pages/about_us about us] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120312123545/http://www.enterprise-tocsin.com/pages/about_us |date=2012-03-12 }}." ''[[The Enterprise-Tocsin]]''. Retrieved on March 4, 2011. "Our office is located at 114 Main St, Indianola."</ref> ''[[The Bolivar Commercial]]'' is also distributed in Sunflower County.<ref>"[http://d2uh5w9wm14i0w.cloudfront.net/sites/1043/assets/bc_masthead1.gif bc_masthead1.gif ''The Bolivar Commercial'' website] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304080241/http://d2uh5w9wm14i0w.cloudfront.net/sites/1043/assets/bc_masthead1.gif |date=March 4, 2016 }}; retrieved April 15, 2012.</ref> |
||
==Communities== |
==Communities== |
||
J. Todd Moye, author of ''[[Let the People Decide: Black Freedom and White Resistance Movements in Sunflower County, Mississippi, 1945-1986]]'', said "Sunflower County has always been overwhelmingly rural." At the end of the 20th century, the county had just four "main towns of any size |
J. Todd Moye, author of ''[[Let the People Decide: Black Freedom and White Resistance Movements in Sunflower County, Mississippi, 1945-1986]]'', said "Sunflower County has always been overwhelmingly rural." At the end of the 20th century, the county had just four "main towns of any size".<ref name="Moye28"/> |
||
===Cities=== |
===Cities=== |
||
Line 330: | Line 250: | ||
* [[Caile, Mississippi|Caile]] |
* [[Caile, Mississippi|Caile]] |
||
* [[Dockery, Mississippi|Dockery]] |
* [[Dockery, Mississippi|Dockery]] |
||
* [[Dwyer, Mississippi|Dwyer]] |
|||
* [[Fairview, Mississippi|Fairview]] |
* [[Fairview, Mississippi|Fairview]] |
||
* [[Heathman, Mississippi|Heathman]] |
* [[Heathman, Mississippi|Heathman]] |
||
Line 340: | Line 259: | ||
* [[Mississippi State Penitentiary]] (Parchman) |
* [[Mississippi State Penitentiary]] (Parchman) |
||
* [[Rome, Mississippi|Rome]] |
* [[Rome, Mississippi|Rome]] |
||
* [[Roundaway, Mississippi|Roundaway]] |
* [[Roundaway, Sunflower County, Mississippi|Roundaway]] |
||
* [[Steiner, Mississippi|Steiner]] |
* [[Steiner, Mississippi|Steiner]] |
||
* [[Stephenville, Mississippi|Stephenville]] |
* [[Stephenville, Mississippi|Stephenville]] |
||
Line 351: | Line 270: | ||
==Notable people== |
==Notable people== |
||
* [[Jerry Butler]] ( |
* [[Jerry Butler]] (singer & Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee, born 1939) |
||
* [[Willie Best]] (actor, 1916–1962) |
* [[Willie Best]] (actor, 1916–1962) |
||
* [[Craig Claiborne]] |
* [[Craig Claiborne]] (''New York Times'' food editor, 1920-2000) |
||
* [[James Eastland]] (U.S. Senator from Mississippi, 1904–1986) |
* [[James Eastland]] (U.S. Senator from Mississippi, 1904–1986) |
||
* [[C. L. Franklin]], father of [[Aretha Franklin]] (minister, civil rights activist, 1915–1984) |
* [[C. L. Franklin]], father of [[Aretha Franklin]] (minister, civil rights activist, 1915–1984) |
||
* [[Fannie Lou Hamer]] ( |
* [[Fannie Lou Hamer]] (civil rights activist, 1917–1977)<ref>Barnwell, p. [https://books.google.com/books?id=KpV3A6jYTVoC&dq=%22In+her+biography+of+Fannie+Lou+Hamer%2C+Kay+Mills%22&pg=PA225 225].</ref> |
||
* [[B.B. King]] (bluesman, 1925–2015) |
* [[B.B. King]] (bluesman, 1925–2015) |
||
* [[Sam Lacey]] (retired NBA basketball player, 1948–present) |
* [[Sam Lacey]] (retired NBA basketball player, 1948–present) |
||
* [[Archie Manning]] (NFL quarterback, 1971–1984) |
* [[Archie Manning]] (NFL quarterback, 1971–1984) |
||
* [[Charlie Patton]] (bluesman, 1891–1934) |
* [[Charlie Patton]] (bluesman, 1891–1934) |
||
* [[Johnny Russell (singer)|Johnny Russell]] |
* [[Johnny Russell (singer)|Johnny Russell]] (country singer) |
||
==See also== |
==See also== |
||
Line 373: | Line 292: | ||
;General |
;General |
||
* Excerpt of: Mills, Kay ''This Little Light of Mine''. In: Barnwell, Marion (editor) ''A Place Called Mississippi: Collected Narratives''. [[University Press of Mississippi]], 1997. {{ISBN|1617033391}}, 9781617033391. |
* Excerpt of: Mills, Kay ''This Little Light of Mine''. In: Barnwell, Marion (editor) ''[[A Place Called Mississippi: Collected Narratives]]''. [[University Press of Mississippi]], 1997. {{ISBN|1617033391}}, 9781617033391. |
||
==External links== |
==External links== |
||
Line 400: | Line 319: | ||
[[Category:1844 establishments in Mississippi]] |
[[Category:1844 establishments in Mississippi]] |
||
[[Category:Populated places established in 1844]] |
[[Category:Populated places established in 1844]] |
||
[[Category:Black Belt (U.S. region)]] |
|||
[[Category:Majority-minority counties in Mississippi]] |
Sunflower County
| |
---|---|
![]()
Sunflower County Courthouse
| |
![]()
Location within the U.S. state of Mississippi
| |
![]()
Mississippi's location within the U.S.
| |
Coordinates: 33°37′N 90°36′W / 33.61°N 90.6°W / 33.61; -90.6 | |
Country | ![]() |
State | ![]() |
Founded | 1844 |
Named for | Sunflower River[1] |
Seat | Indianola |
Largest city | Indianola |
Area | |
• Total | 707 sq mi (1,830 km2) |
• Land | 698 sq mi (1,810 km2) |
• Water | 9.2 sq mi (24 km2) 1.3% |
Population
(2020)
| |
• Total | 25,971 |
• Density | 37/sq mi (14/km2) |
Time zone | UTC−6 (Central) |
• Summer (DST) | UTC−5 (CDT) |
Congressional district | 2nd |
Website | sunflowercounty.ms.gov |
Sunflower County is a county located in the U.S. stateofMississippi. As of the 2020 census, the population was 25,971.[2] Its largest city and county seatisIndianola.[3]
Sunflower County comprises the Indianola, MS Micropolitan Statistical Area, which is included in the Cleveland-Indianola, MS Combined Statistical Area. It is located in the Mississippi Delta region.
Mississippi State Penitentiary (Parchman Farm) is located in Sunflower County.
Sunflower County was created in 1844. The land mass encompassed most of Sunflower and Leflore Counties as we know them today. The first seat of government was Clayton, located near Fort Pemberton. Later the county seat was moved to McNutt, also in present-day Leflore County. When Sunflower and Leflore counties were separated in 1871, the new county seat for Sunflower County was moved to Johnsonville. This village was located where the north end of Mound Bayou empties into the Sunflower River. In 1882 the county seat was moved to Eureka, which was later renamed Indianola.[4] Boyer Cemetery, located in Boyer, goes back to the early days of Sunflower County.[citation needed]
After the U.S. Civil War, across several decades African Americans migrated to Sunflower County to work in the Mississippi Delta. In 1870, 3,243 black people lived in Sunflower County. This increased to 12,070 in 1900, making up 75% of the residents in Sunflower County. Between 1900 and 1920, the black population almost tripled.[5]
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 707 square miles (1,830 km2), of which 698 square miles (1,810 km2) is land and 9.2 square miles (24 km2) (1.3%) is water.[6] Sunflower County is the longest county in Mississippi. The traveling distance from the southern boundary at Caile to its northern boundary at Rome is approximately 71 miles.
The center of the county is about 30 miles (48 km) east of the Mississippi River, about 40 miles (64 km) west of the hill section of Mississippi, 100 miles (160 km) north of Jackson, and about 100 miles (160 km) south of Memphis, Tennessee.[7]
Census | Pop. | Note | %± |
---|---|---|---|
1850 | 1,102 | — | |
1860 | 5,019 | 355.4% | |
1870 | 5,015 | −0.1% | |
1880 | 4,661 | −7.1% | |
1890 | 9,384 | 101.3% | |
1900 | 16,084 | 71.4% | |
1910 | 28,787 | 79.0% | |
1920 | 46,374 | 61.1% | |
1930 | 66,364 | 43.1% | |
1940 | 61,007 | −8.1% | |
1950 | 56,031 | −8.2% | |
1960 | 45,750 | −18.3% | |
1970 | 37,047 | −19.0% | |
1980 | 34,844 | −5.9% | |
1990 | 32,867 | −5.7% | |
2000 | 34,369 | 4.6% | |
2010 | 29,450 | −14.3% | |
2020 | 25,971 | −11.8% | |
2023 (est.) | 24,468 | [8] | −5.8% |
U.S. Decennial Census[9] 1790-1960[10] 1900-1990[11] 1990-2000[12] 2010-2013[13] |
The county reached its peak population in 1930. After that, population declined from 1940 to 1990. There was considerable migration out of the rural county, especially as mechanization reduced the need for farm labor. Both whites and blacks left the county. Many African Americans migrated north or west to industrial cities to escape the social oppression and violence of Jim Crow, especially moving in the Great Migration during and after World War II, when the defense industry on the West Coast attracted many.
Race | Num. | Perc. |
---|---|---|
White | 6,729 | 25.91% |
Black or African American | 18,077 | 69.6% |
Native American | 19 | 0.07% |
Asian | 84 | 0.32% |
Pacific Islander | 3 | 0.01% |
Other/Mixed | 401 | 1.54% |
HispanicorLatino | 661 | 2.55% |
As of the 2020 United States Census, there were 25,971 people, 8,322 households, and 5,292 families residing in the county.
As of the 2010 United States Census, there were 29,450 people living in the county. 72.9% were black or African American, 25.4% white, 0.3% Asian, 0.2% Native American, 0.6% of some other race and 0.5% of two or more races. 1.4% were Hispanic or Latino (of any race).
As of the census[15] of 2000, there were 34,369 people, 9,637 households, and 7,314 families living in the county. The population density was 50 people per square mile (19 people/km2). There were 10,338 housing units at an average density of 15 units per square mile (5.8 units/km2). The racial makeup of the county was 69.86% BlackorAfrican American, 28.88% White, 0.09% Native American, 0.40% Asian, 0.48% from other races, and 0.28% from two or more races. 1.30% of the population were HispanicorLatino of any race.
As of the census[15] of 1990, there were 32,341 people. The racial makeup of the county was 71.89% BlackorAfrican American, 26.40% WhiteorEuropean American, 0.12% Native American, 0.60% Asian, 0.50% from other races, and 0.28% from two or more races. 1.31% of the population were HispanicorLatino of any race.
As of the census[15] of 1980, there were 30,402 people. The racial makeup of the county was 73.88% BlackorAfrican American, 24.45% WhiteorEuropean American, 0.15% Native American, 0.80% Asian, 0.52% from other races, and 0.28% from two or more races. 1.32% of the population were HispanicorLatino of any race.
As of the census[15] of 2000, there were 9,637 households, out of which 38.40% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 42.30% were married couples living together, 28.40% had a female householder with no husband present, and 24.10% were non-families. 21.20% of all households were made up of individuals, and 9.70% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 3.01 and the average family size was 3.50.
In the county, the population was spread out, with 27.90% under the age of 18, 14.00% from 18 to 24, 30.30% from 25 to 44, 18.10% from 45 to 64, and 9.70% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 30 years. For every 100 females there were 115.90 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 120.00 males.
The median income for a household in the county was $24,970, and the median income for a family was $29,144. Males had a median income of $26,208 versus $19,145 for females. The per capita income for the county was $11,365. About 24.60% of families and 30.00% of the population were below the poverty line, including 39.50% of those under age 18 and 24.10% of those age 65 or over.
Sunflower County has the ninth-lowest per capita income in Mississippi and the 72nd-lowest in the United States.
The Mississippi Department of Corrections (MDOC) is responsible for the state's correctional services, probation services, and parole services. MDOC operates the Mississippi State Penitentiary (MSP; colloquially known as 'Parchman Farm') in the unincorporated community of Parchman in Sunflower County and a probation and parole office in the Courthouse Annex in Indianola.[16]
MSP, a prison for men,[17][18] is the location of the State of Mississippi male death row and the State of Mississippi execution chamber.[19][20] Around the time of MSP's opening in 1901, Sunflower County residents objected to having executions performed at MSP because they feared that Sunflower County would be stigmatized as a "death county". Therefore, the State of Mississippi originally performed executions of condemned criminals in their counties of conviction. By the 1950s residents of Sunflower County were still opposed to the concept of housing the execution chamber at MSP. In September 1954, Governor Hugh White called for a special session of the Mississippi Legislature to discuss the application of the death penalty.[21] During that year, an execution chamber was installed at MSP.[22]
Year | Republican | Democratic | Third party | |||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
No. | % | No. | % | No. | % | |
2020 | 2,799 | 28.91% | 6,781 | 70.04% | 101 | 1.04% |
2016 | 2,794 | 29.11% | 6,725 | 70.07% | 79 | 0.82% |
2012 | 2,929 | 26.09% | 8,199 | 73.02% | 100 | 0.89% |
2008 | 3,245 | 28.99% | 7,838 | 70.03% | 110 | 0.98% |
2004 | 3,534 | 35.29% | 6,359 | 63.49% | 122 | 1.22% |
2000 | 3,369 | 40.04% | 4,981 | 59.19% | 65 | 0.77% |
1996 | 2,926 | 35.57% | 4,960 | 60.30% | 339 | 4.12% |
1992 | 3,726 | 39.68% | 5,050 | 53.77% | 615 | 6.55% |
1988 | 4,362 | 46.96% | 4,898 | 52.73% | 29 | 0.31% |
1984 | 5,178 | 51.21% | 4,913 | 48.59% | 20 | 0.20% |
1980 | 3,728 | 41.76% | 5,035 | 56.40% | 164 | 1.84% |
1976 | 3,456 | 43.07% | 4,322 | 53.86% | 246 | 3.07% |
1972 | 5,389 | 73.27% | 1,874 | 25.48% | 92 | 1.25% |
1968 | 1,036 | 13.69% | 2,602 | 34.37% | 3,932 | 51.94% |
1964 | 4,127 | 94.27% | 251 | 5.73% | 0 | 0.00% |
1960 | 1,177 | 34.11% | 1,033 | 29.93% | 1,241 | 35.96% |
1956 | 520 | 16.67% | 1,585 | 50.80% | 1,015 | 32.53% |
1952 | 2,007 | 49.48% | 2,049 | 50.52% | 0 | 0.00% |
1948 | 55 | 2.06% | 136 | 5.09% | 2,482 | 92.85% |
1944 | 155 | 5.25% | 2,799 | 94.75% | 0 | 0.00% |
1940 | 71 | 2.26% | 3,071 | 97.74% | 0 | 0.00% |
1936 | 21 | 0.83% | 2,508 | 99.17% | 0 | 0.00% |
1932 | 34 | 1.39% | 2,411 | 98.41% | 5 | 0.20% |
1928 | 88 | 3.18% | 2,676 | 96.82% | 0 | 0.00% |
1924 | 76 | 4.29% | 1,694 | 95.71% | 0 | 0.00% |
1920 | 47 | 4.21% | 1,060 | 94.98% | 9 | 0.81% |
1916 | 20 | 2.22% | 879 | 97.56% | 2 | 0.22% |
1912 | 9 | 1.80% | 462 | 92.40% | 29 | 5.80% |
In December 2011, Sunflower County's unemployment rate was 16.2%. The Mississippi statewide rate was 9.9%, and the U.S. overall unemployment rate was 8.3%.[24] As of 2012[update] it was one of the poorest counties in the United States.[25]
Two airports are located in unincorporated Sunflower County. Indianola Municipal Airport, near Indianola,[26] is operated by the city.[27] Ruleville-Drew Airport, between Drew and Ruleville,[28] is jointly operated by the two cities.[27]
Mississippi Delta Community College has a main campus in Moorhead and other locations.
Between 2010 and 2012, the State of Mississippi had taken over all three Sunflower County school districts and put them under the conservatorship of the Mississippi Department of Education,[32] due to academic and financial reasons. In February 2012, the Mississippi Senate voted 43–4 to pass Senate Bill 2330, to consolidate the three school districts into one school district. The bill went to the Mississippi House of Representatives.[32]
The Greenwood Commonwealth said that the county was an "easy target" for school merging due to the difficulties in all three school districts, and that the scenario "doesn't leave them with much leverage to argue in favor of the status quo. And because none of them does well, none of them can object to assuming someone else's headaches. All three are beset with them."[33] Later that month, the State Board of Education approved the consolidation of the Drew School District and the Sunflower County School District, and if Senate Bill 2330 is approved, Indianola School District will be added.[34]
In May 2012 Governor of Mississippi Phil Bryant signed the bill into law, requiring all three districts to consolidate.[25] SB2330 stipulates that if a county has three school districts all under conservatorship by the Mississippi Department of Education will have them consolidated into one school district serving the entire county.[35] As of July 1, 2012, the Drew School District was consolidated with the Sunflower County School District.[citation needed]
The Central Delta AcademyinInverness closed on May 21, 2010.[37]
All three of the private schools originated as segregation academies.[38][39]
Pillow Academy in unincorporated Leflore County, near Greenwood, enrolls some students from Sunflower County.[40] It originally was a segregation academy.[41]
The Sunflower County Library provides library services. The administration is in Indianola, and the system operates libraries in Drew, Indianola, Inverness, Moorhead, and Ruleville.[42]
The Enterprise-Tocsin, a newspaper based out of Indianola, is distributed throughout Sunflower County.[43] The Bolivar Commercial is also distributed in Sunflower County.[44]
J. Todd Moye, author of Let the People Decide: Black Freedom and White Resistance Movements in Sunflower County, Mississippi, 1945-1986, said "Sunflower County has always been overwhelmingly rural." At the end of the 20th century, the county had just four "main towns of any size".[5]
Places adjacent to Sunflower County, Mississippi
| ||||||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Municipalities and communities of Sunflower County, Mississippi, United States
| ||
---|---|---|
Cities |
|
|
Towns |
| |
Unincorporated communities |
| |
Ghost towns |
| |
Footnotes | ‡This populated place also has portions in an adjacent county or counties | |
|
International |
|
---|---|
National |
|
Geographic |
|
Other |
|
33°37′N 90°36′W / 33.61°N 90.60°W / 33.61; -90.60