Quitman was officially recognized
by the Mississippi Legislature on February 13, 1839, and
was named for the second Chancellor of the State, Gen. John A.
Quitman.
From "the ashes of destruction" in
the latter stages of the Civil War, to the present day seat
of county government, Quitman offers small town charm and
easygoing
pace of life along with a full range of modern conveniences
and services. Quitman is the hometown of author Wyatt Cooper
and
National Basketball Association superstar Antonio McDyess.
Archusa Creek Water Park is located within the City of Quitman,
whose 2,000
census figures are 2,463.
Historic places to visit in Quitman, MS:
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Quitman, MS.
(601) 776-6959
One thousand acres of rustic beauty located in
Quitman.
Cabins, camping, watersports, beaches, and winding
scenic drives. Open 8 a.m to 5 p.m. Admission $1.00
per person.
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100 South Railroad Avenue.
Serves as the welcome and information center for Clarke County. Established
in 1950 with present office opened in 1987. (601) 776-5701
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| Clarke
County Courthouse and Confederate Monument |
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1912-1913 • Neo-classical Revival.
Principle architectural landmark of the county seat of Clarke County.
The Confederate Monument, located on the lawn in front of the
courthouse, has been a prominent part of the civic landscape
associated with the courthouse since the monument was erected
in 1911, shortly before the present courthouse was constructed.
The
monument is locally significant for its association with the
Confederate Memorial movement, which was an important social
movement throughout the South from the 1870’s until WWI.
The movement was a major factor in the development of the sense
of regional identity in the South during that period.
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| J.K.
Kirkland Mercantile Store |
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Circa 1905 • 124 Main Street.
Kirkland building has a high degree of architectural integrity. It is a significant
example of the two-story, brick commercial buildings that were characteristic
of small commercial architecture during the prosperous years of the early
twentieth century.
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Circa 1910 • East of the railroad tracks
near the junction of Main Street and Railroad Avenue.
The Quitman depot symbolizes the importance of transportation facilities
to industrial growth in Clarke County. The depot is an archetype of the
station that was built in small towns all across the United States from
the late 1830’s to 1930’s. It is the only existing example
of a combination passenger/freight depot in Clarke County and retains
a high degree of architectural integrity.
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1911-1912 • Colonial Revival • 210
Ferrill Street.
The county’s best articulation of Colonial Revival style
discovered to date. Significant example of how environment and
culture can have an effect on a national architectural style.
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Captain C.C. Ferrill House
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Circa 1900 • Spindlework
Mode • Queen Anne • 118 East Franklin
Street.
The house was originally constructed for Captain C.C. Ferrill but was purchased
by the Kirkland family by 1910. The Kirkland’s were prominent business
people in Quitman. The family resided here until the 1950’s. The house
illustrates how the social and economic changes sweeping Clarke County at the
turn of the century affected the community of Quitman.
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| House
at 200 E. Franklin Street |
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Circa 1905 • Free Classical Mode of
Queen Anne Style.
The house is representative of the type of housing being constructed
in Quitman at the turn of the century and symbolizes the prosperity
and progress that came to the community because of the Mississippi
Lumber Company’s mill established here in 1900.
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Circa 1890 • 201 South Jackson.
Built in the 1890’s by George L. Donald, Sr., a major in the Confederate
Army.
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Circa 1852 • Greek Revival • 419
East Franklin Street.
The Trotter-Byrd House was built by William B. Trotter, originally of Tennessee,
who was an attorney in Quitman. In 1845, Trotter was a candidate for Fourth District
Attorney and colonel of the 31st Regiment of the Mississippi Militia. He was
elected Brigadier General in 1847. Trotter married Elizabeth Lee Terrell of Virginia
in 1846. Her mother, Frances Lewis Terrell,
was the
granddaughter
of Fielding Lewis and Catherine Washington, first cousin of George
Washington. The historical significance of the Trotter-Byrd house
lies in its association
with Trotter, one of the country’s most important residents,
and his wife, a descendant of George Washington. It is architecturally
significant as one of three, two-story Greek Revival houses in Clarke
County and is the only one of this group that did not function as
a plantation house.
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540 County Road 110.
One thousand acres of unique beauty located in Quitman. Cabins, camping, water
sports, beaches, and winding scenic drives. Park is open 24 hours. Office
hours 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. every day. (601) 776-6956.
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