Itawamba County, Mississippi, is a region rich in history, with numerous significant events and landmarks that have shaped the area's development. From early indigenous settlements to pivotal moments during the Civil Rights Movement, here are seven historical events that have taken place near Itawamba, MS.

1. Native American Presence:
Long before European settlers arrived, the Chickasaw people inhabited the land around Itawamba. The area served as an important crossroads for Native American trade, with trails connecting various tribes across the region.

2. Battle of Iuka (1862):
During the American Civil War, the Battle of Iuka took place about 30 miles north of Itawamba in 1862. It was a strategic battle fought between Union forces under General William Rosecrans and Confederate forces led by General Sterling Price. The Union victory helped secure the northern Mississippi area.

3. Amos Deason House:
Located in Fulton, MS, just south of Itawamba County, the Amos Deason House is a historic antebellum home dating back to the mid-1800s. It was a significant site during the Civil War as Confederate General Nathan Bedford Forrest used it as his headquarters while organizing his troops.

4. Tupelo-Birmingham Civil Rights Bus Journey (1961):
In 1961, during the height of the Civil Rights Movement, a group of Freedom Riders embarked on a bus journey from Tupelo, Mississippi, to Birmingham, Alabama. As they passed through Itawamba County, their bus was attacked and burned by a mob of white supremacists. This event led to increased national attention on the struggle for racial equality.

5. The County Seat Controversy:
For many years, there was a dispute over the location of the Itawamba County seat between the towns of Fulton and Mantachie. The matter was finally settled in 1904, with Fulton being selected as the permanent county seat. This decision had a significant impact on the regional development and economy.

6. Historic Schools:
Itawamba Agricultural High School (IAHS) and Itawamba Community College (ICC) have played fundamental roles in the educational and social fabric of the county. IAHS, established in 1920, was the first agricultural high school in Mississippi. ICC, founded in 1948, is an influential community college that provides education and opportunity to local residents.

7. The Natchez Trace:
Running near Itawamba, the Natchez Trace Parkway is a historic trail used extensively by Native Americans, early European explorers, traders, and travelers. It played a crucial role in regional transportation and commerce, and remnants of the Trace can still be explored today.

These are just a few examples of the historical events and landmarks near Itawamba, MS. The region's rich history is a testament to the intersecting cultures, struggles, and triumphs that have shaped the area over the centuries. By exploring these events, we gain a deeper understanding of our collective past and the legacies that continue to impact Itawamba and its community.