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Abbeville, Mississippi facts for kids

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Abbeville, Mississippi
Downtown Abbeville (2018)
Downtown Abbeville (2018)
Location of Abbeville, Mississippi
Location of Abbeville, Mississippi
Country United States
State Mississippi
County Lafayette
Area
 • Total 3.46 sq mi (8.96 km2)
 • Land 3.46 sq mi (8.96 km2)
 • Water 0.00 sq mi (0.00 km2)
Elevation
361 ft (110 m)
Population
 (2020)
 • Total 372
 • Density 107.51/sq mi (41.52/km2)
Time zone UTC-6 (Central (CST))
 • Summer (DST) UTC-5 (CDT)
ZIP code
38601
Area code(s) 662
FIPS code 28-00100
GNIS ID 2405117

Abbeville is a small town located in Lafayette County, Mississippi, in the United States. In 2020, about 372 people lived there. It's a quiet place with a rich history.

History of Abbeville

Abbeville was first settled in the 1830s by brave pioneers. They came from a place called Abbeville, South Carolina. These early settlers lived peacefully with the local Chickasaw Native Americans. A Chickasaw leader named Chief Toby even ran a ferry. This ferry helped people cross the river on the trade route between Memphis and Oxford.

During the American Civil War, Abbeville faced a tough time. It was nearly destroyed during a major military event called the Vicksburg Campaign. The town's post office opened on September 28, 1843. John B. Davis was the very first postmaster. By 1950, Abbeville had a population of 275 people.

Geography and Climate

Abbeville is located in Mississippi. The town covers an area of about 3.5 square miles (9 square kilometers). All of this area is land, with no large bodies of water inside the town limits.

What is Abbeville's Climate Like?

The weather in Abbeville is known for its hot and humid summers. Winters are usually mild to cool. This type of weather is called a humid subtropical climate. On climate maps, you might see it labeled as "Cfa." This means it has warm temperatures and plenty of rain throughout the year.

Who Lives in Abbeville?

In 2020, the town had 372 people living in 170 homes. This number was a bit lower than in 2010, when 419 people lived there.

Most of the people in Abbeville are non-Hispanic White, making up about 85.2% of the population. About 10.4% are African American. A small number, 3.4%, reported being from two or more races. About 1.8% of the population was Hispanic or Latino.

Historical population
Census Pop.
1880 223
1900 255
1910 243 −4.7%
1920 235 −3.3%
1930 243 3.4%
1980 448
1990 399 −10.9%
2000 423 6.0%
2010 419 −0.9%
2020 372 −11.2%
U.S. Decennial Census

Education in Abbeville

Students in Abbeville attend schools run by the Lafayette County School District. This district provides education for children living in the area.

Abbeville is also home to an important research center. The University of Mississippi owns and runs the University of Mississippi Field Station here. This special outdoor laboratory is used to study freshwater ecosystems. Scientists and students learn about how to keep these water environments healthy and sustainable.

Getting Around Abbeville

Major Roads

  • Circle sign 7.svg Mississippi Highway 7 is a main road that passes through Abbeville. It helps people travel to and from the town.

Railroads

  • The Mississippi Central Railroad also serves the area. Railroads are important for moving goods and sometimes people.

Famous People from Abbeville

Many interesting people have come from Abbeville:

  • Carl Craig was a state auditor and tax collector in Mississippi during the 1930s to 1950s. He helped manage the state's money.
  • Jennifer Gillom is a former professional basketball player. She played in the WNBA.
  • Peggie Gillom-Granderson also played professional basketball. She was a player in the Women's Professional Basketball League.
  • L. C. Gordon was the first African-American basketball player for the Oklahoma State Cowboys.
  • Stan Kesler was a talented musician, songwriter, and producer.
  • Shelby McEwen is a track and field athlete. He competed in the 2020 Summer Olympics and won a silver medal in the 2024 Olympics.
  • Alexander Preston Shaw was a bishop in the Methodist Church.
  • Gerald Vaughn was a former defensive back in the Canadian Football League.
  • Henry Woods was a United States district judge. He served in Arkansas from 1980 to 2002.

Images for kids

See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Abbeville (Misisipi) para niños

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