Egypt, Chickasaw County, Mississippi facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Egypt, Mississippi
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Country | United States |
State | Mississippi |
County | Chickasaw |
Elevation | 305 ft (93 m) |
Time zone | UTC-6 (Central (CST)) |
• Summer (DST) | UTC-5 (CDT) |
Area code(s) | 662 |
GNIS feature ID | 669700 |
Egypt, also known as Pikeville, is a small, unincorporated community in Chickasaw County, Mississippi, United States. An "unincorporated community" means it's a place where people live, but it doesn't have its own local government like a city or town. Egypt is about 7 miles (11 km) south of Okolona.
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Discovering Egypt, Mississippi
Egypt, Mississippi, is a quiet community with a rich history. It's located in Chickasaw County. This area has seen many changes over the years. It has played a part in both local life and bigger historical events.
A Look Back in Time
Long ago, Egypt was an important stop on the Gulf, Mobile and Ohio Railroad. This railroad helped people and goods travel across the country. Egypt had its own train station, called a depot.
The community was also home to several important businesses and places. There were two churches, an academy (a type of school), and even a broom factory. A grist mill helped grind grain. There was also a special Munger System cotton gin. This machine helped separate cotton fibers from their seeds.
How Egypt Got Its Name
The community wasn't always called Egypt. From 1844 to 1859, the local post office was named Pikeville. Then, in 1859, the name changed to Egypt. The post office kept the name Egypt until 1979.
The Battle of Egypt Station
Egypt was the site of a significant event during the American Civil War. On December 28, 1864, a battle took place here. It is known as the Battle of Egypt Station.
Brigadier General Benjamin Grierson led a group of Union cavalry soldiers. They fought against a smaller Confederate force. The Confederate soldiers were led by Samuel J. Gholson and Franklin Gardner. The Union soldiers won this battle. Their main goal was to damage the railroad. This would make it harder for the Confederates to move supplies. After the battle, the Union raiders continued their journey southwest to Vicksburg.
Modern Times
More recently, Egypt faced a natural disaster. On April 27, 2011, strong tornadoes hit the community. These were EF-3 tornadoes, which caused a lot of damage. Despite this, the community continues to be a home for its residents.