The earliest settlement in this community was Hopewell Methodist Church and Cemetery, established in 1805. It was the first church in Warren County, and still exists a short distance east of Warrenton.[2][3]
Sometime after 1809, a brick courthouse was constructed at Warrenton, and the town became the first county seat.[4]
A post office was established in 1811,[5] and the town incorporated in 1820.[6]
At the time, Warrenton was the largest, most centrally located, and most important place in the county.[7]
Nearby Vicksburg began to prosper due to its better landing, higher location, and more vigorous leadership. The county seat was moved there in 1825.[4][8]
During the 1830s, Warrenton continued as a place of cotton export.[9]
Due to the town's low-lying swampy location, it suffered from river floods and epidemics such as yellow fever, smallpox and cholera.[8]
During the Civil War, Confederate forces established a fortification at Warrenton. The town was badly damaged by shelling during the war.[8]
Warrenton was a stop on the Vicksburg, Pensacola and Ship Island Railroad, constructed in the 1870s.[5]
After 1883, the river moved westward, leaving a sandbank between the town and its port. The town quickly declined. In 1903, the post office was removed.[5][8]
Today, the community is a mix of agriculture and residential properties. Nothing remains of the original settlement but the Hopewell Church and Cemetery. The Vicksburg Airport is located at the south end of Warrenton.
