Historical Marker
Pike County Courthouse
Magnolia, Pike County · Mississippi
Erected 2005
Magnolia exists because a railroad needed water and fuel. Ansel Prewett, a planter, sold the Illinois Central's predecessor a right-of-way and in 1856 divided part of his plantation into town lots. By the late 1800s wealthy New Orleanians rode the train north for fresh air and creeks, and the town had an opera house, a skating rink and several hotels. Voters made Magnolia the county seat in 1873, replacing Holmesville. A fire in 1881 destroyed the new courthouse and most of the county's records. Prewett, serving as temporary sheriff, was killed by outlaws on that same railroad.
Where it stands
31.14380, -90.45982 · Directions
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