Sullivans Hollow facts for kids

Sullivan's Hollow is a valley located near Mize, Mississippi. This area became known for its strong and independent residents. It was first settled by Thomas Sullivan around 1820.

Thomas Sullivan had a large family. As his 22 children grew up and started their own families, the area known as Sullivan's Hollow grew too. Today, the unofficial borders of the "hollow" form a triangle. This area stretches from Mize in Smith County to Mount Olive and Hot Coffee in Covington County.

The Sullivan Family and Their Reputation

The Sullivan family and their neighbors were known for being very independent. They liked to be left alone. If stories about them being "tough" kept outsiders away, they were fine with that.

One famous person from the area was William "Wild Bill" Sullivan (1851–1932). He had a reputation for being a very strong and determined person. While many stories were told about him, historians have found that most were exaggerated. Local people remember him as a tough individual who stood up for himself.

Stories of the Courthouse

There are many interesting stories about Smith County. The Smith County Courthouse has burned down three times. One popular legend tells of two young men from Sullivan's Hollow. The story says they were involved in a serious incident. To avoid trouble, they supposedly burned down the courthouse. This would destroy any records against them.

The legend claims they then hid for several years. Later, they turned themselves in. Because there were no official records left, they were set free. Stories like this are often told in Smith County. They show the independent spirit of the people from Sullivan's Hollow.