Mileston, Mississippi facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Mileston, Mississippi
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 Mileston, Mississippi
Location in Mississippi
Mileston, Mississippi
Location in the United States
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| Country | United States |
| State | Mississippi |
| County | Holmes |
| Elevation | 112 ft (34 m) |
| Time zone | UTC-6 (Central (CST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-5 (CDT) |
| ZIP code |
39169
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| Area code(s) | 662 |
Mileston is a small place in Holmes County, Mississippi. It's called an unincorporated community, which means it doesn't have its own local government like a city or town. Mileston is found along U.S. Highway 49E and Highway 12.
It is about 6 miles (9.7 km) south of Tchula. It's also about 4 miles (6.4 km) north of Thornton. You can find it about 3 miles (4.8 km) southeast of Marcella. Mileston is also located on the Canadian National Railway train line.
Contents
Mileston's Story
Mileston got its name from a large farm that used to be there. In 1940, the United States government bought about 10,000 acres (4,000 ha) of land. This was part of a program called the Resettlement Administration. This program helped people, especially farmers, during tough economic times.
The land was divided into 70 smaller pieces for families. There was also a larger cooperative farm with 30 plots. A cooperative farm means people work together and share resources. The community had important places like a cotton gin, a school, a store, and a blacksmith shop. It even had a medical clinic. W. Ralph Eubanks' father taught farming skills at the Mileston school.
Mileston had its own post office from 1888 until 1953. Today, many people who own land in Mileston are descendants of the original African American sharecroppers. Sharecroppers were farmers who worked on land owned by someone else and paid rent with a share of their crops. In 2000, a local group and the state of Mississippi started a farmers' market in Mileston. This market helps local farmers sell their goods.
A photographer named Marion Post Wolcott visited Mileston in 1939. She took many pictures of the people and places there. Her photos were part of her work for the Farm Security Administration.
Civil Rights Movement in Mileston
Mileston was a very important place during the Civil Rights Movement in Holmes County. This movement was a time when people worked hard to get equal rights for all Americans, especially African Americans. In March 1963, a group called the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC) started working in Holmes County. They came after people from Mileston asked for help.
The next month, 14 African Americans from Mileston tried to register to vote in Lexington. At that time, it was very hard for African Americans to vote in many parts of the South. These 14 people, known as the "First Fourteen," were not allowed to register that day. But their actions were very brave and important.
One of the first "citizenship schools" in Mississippi was held at the Mileston community center. These schools taught people how to read and write, and also about their rights. Many people who attended these schools later joined the Mississippi Freedom Democratic Party. This party worked to make sure African Americans had a voice in politics.
Getting Around
The City of New Orleans train passes through Mileston. This Amtrak train travels between New Orleans and Chicago. However, the train does not stop in Mileston. The closest train station is in Yazoo City. That station is about 22 miles (35 km) south of Mileston.
Schools in Mileston
Students in Mileston go to schools in the Holmes County School District. They attend Holmes County Central High School.
Mileston used to have its own school. It was first called Mileston Elementary School, for grades K-6. Later, it became Mileston Middle School. It could hold up to 130 students.
Famous Person from Mileston
- Hartman Turnbow: He was an important activist during the Civil Rights Movement. He worked hard for equal rights for African Americans.
Images for kids
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