Carpenter, Mississippi facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Carpenter, Mississippi
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 Carpenter, Mississippi
Location in Mississippi
Carpenter, Mississippi
Location in the United States
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| Country | United States |
| State | Mississippi |
| County | Copiah |
| Elevation | 164 ft (50 m) |
| Time zone | UTC-6 (Central (CST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-5 (CDT) |
| Area code(s) | 601 & 769 |
| GNIS feature ID | 668080 |
Carpenter is a small, quiet place in Copiah County, Mississippi, United States. It's called an unincorporated community, which means it doesn't have its own local government like a city or town. Carpenter used to be a busy railroad town. It's about seven miles from Utica. The community was named after Joseph Neibert Carpenter. He was the president of a railroad company called the Natchez, Jackson and Columbia Railroad.
Contents
History of Carpenter
The Railroad Era
At the start of the 1900s, a railroad line ran through Carpenter. People called it "the Little J." This railroad connected many towns in Mississippi. It went to places like Natchez, Fayette, Utica, and Jackson. The railroad was very important for travel and moving goods.
Community Life and Buildings
Carpenter had a busy community. It was home to several stores where people could buy everyday items. There was also a box factory, a blacksmith shop, and two sawmills. A drug store served the community's health needs. Carpenter also had its own school and several churches.
The Carpenter Methodist church was built in 1901. It has a classic style that was popular in Mississippi back then. In 1990, a huge water oak tree stood next to the church. It was 20 feet around! The church is still standing today and holds services every week.
The Baptist church in Carpenter was built in 1903. It has a special round window called a rose window. This type of window was also common in buildings from that time. Big water oak trees used to surround this church too. Sadly, they are no longer there because of bad weather.
One of the oldest homes in Carpenter was built in the 1800s. It belonged to William L. Lloyd. He was an early settler who gave the land for the railroad station. He also became the first person to work at the station.
Changes Over Time
By the 1970s, the local railroad line had closed down. The Carpenter train station was taken apart during that time. By the year 2000, most people living in Carpenter were descendants of the first families who settled there.
A post office served the community of Carpenter for many years. It operated from 1884 until 1984.
Notable Person
- Virgia Brocks-Shedd was a librarian and poet from Carpenter.
