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French Camp, Mississippi
French Camp Academy
French Camp Academy
Flag of French Camp, Mississippi
Flag
Location of French Camp, Mississippi
Location of French Camp, Mississippi
Country United States
State Mississippi
County Choctaw
Government
Area
 • Total 0.99 sq mi (2.56 km2)
 • Land 0.98 sq mi (2.54 km2)
 • Water 0.01 sq mi (0.02 km2)
Elevation
413 ft (126 m)
Population
 (2020)
 • Total 256
 • Density 260.96/sq mi (100.76/km2)
Time zone UTC-6 (Central (CST))
 • Summer (DST) UTC-5 (CDT)
ZIP code
39745
Area code(s) 662
FIPS code 28-26020
GNIS feature ID 0670200

French Camp is a small town in Choctaw County, Mississippi, in the United States. It is known for its history and a special school called French Camp Academy. In 2020, about 256 people lived there. The population was 174 at the 2010 census.

A Look Back in Time: French Camp's History

French Camp started around 1810. A French person named Louis Lefleur set up a trading post and an inn here. It was located on the famous Natchez Trace, a historic path.

The local Choctaw people and others called this place "the Frenchman's Camp." Over time, the name was shortened to French Camp.

Where is French Camp? Geography and Location

French Camp is in the western part of Choctaw County. It is right next to Attala County to the south.

The Natchez Trace Parkway goes right through the town. It crosses Mississippi Highway 413 just west of the town center.

Land and Water Area

The United States Census Bureau says the town covers about 2.6 square kilometers (1.0 square mile). Most of this area is land. Only a tiny part, about 0.02 square kilometers (0.01 square miles), is water.

Who Lives Here? French Camp's Population

Historical population
Census Pop.
1880 420
1890 267 −36.4%
1900 259 −3.0%
1910 220 −15.1%
1920 123 −44.1%
1930 181 47.2%
1940 172 −5.0%
1950 162 −5.8%
1960 123 −24.1%
1970 174 41.5%
1980 306 75.9%
1990 320 4.6%
2000 393 22.8%
2010 174 −55.7%
2020 256 47.1%
U.S. Decennial Census

In 2000, there were 393 people living in French Camp. These people lived in 68 households, and 42 of these were families. The town had about 74 housing units.

Most of the people living in French Camp were White (92.37%). A smaller number were African American (5.09%) or from other backgrounds.

Household and Family Life

About 26.5% of households had children under 18 living with them. Many households (54.4%) were married couples. Some households (36.8%) were individuals living alone.

The average household had 2.43 people. The average family had 3.19 people.

Age of Residents

The population in French Camp was quite young. About 48.6% of residents were under 18 years old. The median age was 18 years. This means half the people were younger than 18, and half were older.

Learning in French Camp: Schools and Education

Students in French Camp attend schools run by the Choctaw County School District. There is also a special private school in town.

  • French Camp Elementary School
    • This school is part of the Choctaw County School District. It serves younger students in French Camp.
  • French Camp Academy
    • French Camp Academy is a Christian boarding school. Students live at the school while they study.

Cool Places to Visit: Points of Interest

French Camp has several interesting places to see and visit:

  • Rainwater Observatory and Planetarium: A place to learn about stars and space.
  • French Camp Town Hall: This building also houses the town's volunteer fire department.
  • French Camp Academy Campus: You can see the grounds of this historic school.
  • Natchez Trace Historic Village: This area includes:
    • Council House Cafe: A place to eat.
  • WFCA (FM): A local radio station.

Images for kids

See also

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

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