Middleton, Mississippi facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Middleton, Mississippi
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 Middleton, Mississippi
Location in Mississippi
Middleton, Mississippi
Location in the United States
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| Country | United States |
| State | Mississippi |
| County | Montgomery |
| Elevation | 436 ft (133 m) |
| Time zone | UTC-6 (Central (CST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-5 (CDT) |
| GNIS feature ID | 683319 |
Middleton was once a busy town in Montgomery County, Mississippi, United States. It was a place where people lived, worked, and went to school. However, in 1859, a new railroad line was built nearby, going through a town called Winona. Because of this, many businesses and people moved away from Middleton to be closer to the railroad. Today, Middleton is a "ghost town", meaning it's mostly abandoned.
Middleton was one of the first settlements in this area. It was originally part of Carroll County. Later, in 1871, when Montgomery County was created, Middleton became part of its boundaries.
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Early History of Middleton
The first known European American to settle here was Irelton C. DeVane. In 1790, he built a small log store. This store was used for trading with the Choctaw people, who lived in this territory. It also served travelers passing through. Other early settlers included William Pace and his wife, who arrived from Kentucky in the 1820s. Mail was sent from the community by stagecoach as early as 1824.
New Settlers Arrive
After the Treaty of Dancing Rabbit Creek in 1830, most of the Choctaw people from this area moved west. They went to a place called Indian Territory. New European-American settlers then began to arrive, looking for land. Some of these settlers brought enslaved African Americans with them. These enslaved people were forced to work in the new settlements.
The "Little Log Store" became a well-known trading post. It was located where the Carrollton and Shongalo roads met.
Growth and Businesses
During the 1830s, Middleton grew quickly. Many businesses opened, including:
- Two general stores
- Two doctor's offices
- A tavern (a type of inn)
- A furniture maker
- A shoe factory
- A large store called "The Big Store"
- A tailor
- A clock shop
Middleton's businesses were set up around a town square. The town's residents also built several churches. These included Baptist, Methodist, Presbyterian, and Christian churches.
The town was officially named "Irwin" in 1837. But in 1840, its name was changed to Middleton. People also sometimes called it "Oxford" or "Bowling Green."
Middleton's Busy Years
By 1840, Middleton had grown to about 2,900 people. A newspaper called The Family Organ started publishing there in 1843. More businesses opened later, such as:
- The Middleton Hotel
- A photographer's shop
- A blacksmith shop
- A carriage factory
- Law offices
Factories were also built along the river to use waterpower. On the edge of town, there was a wool mill, a flour mill, a cotton mill, a leather tannery, and a cotton factory. A stagecoach line ran through Middleton, connecting Holly Springs to Durant.
In 1841, Middleton was considered as a possible location for the University of Mississippi. It was also thought of as a place for the Mississippi state capital.
Schools and Cemetery
Middleton had two well-known private schools. The Judson Institute was a school for girls. The Peoples Academy was a school for boys.
The Middleton Cemetery is one of the oldest in the area. It was built with a deep ditch around it, like a moat. In 1992, the Winona Lion's Club helped restore the cemetery and many of its old gravestones.
The Railroad's Impact
In 1859, the Mississippi Central Railway finished building a rail line. This line went through Winona, which was about 1.5 miles (2.4 km) east of Middleton. Because the railroad bypassed Middleton, the town began to decline.
Many businesses and residents moved to Winona. Winona was chosen as the new county seat. Some families who left Middleton moved back to Tennessee and Kentucky. Others moved to nearby Carrollton.
Middleton During the Civil War
During the American Civil War, Middleton's mills were used to make supplies for the Confederate army. In January 1863, about 1,000 Union soldiers, led by Benjamin Grierson, camped near Old Middleton. They then traveled to nearby Vaiden. The soldiers took supplies from the town during this time.
