According to howsmb.com, Calhoun County, Mississippi is located in the north-central part of the state. It is bordered on the north by Chickasaw, Tippah, and Union counties; on the east by Pontotoc County; on the south by Monroe County; and on the west by Lafayette and Yalobusha counties. According to 2019 estimates, Calhoun County has a population of 14,914 people. The county seat is Pittsboro.
The area was first inhabited by Native Americans who settled in what is now Calhoun County around 10,000 years ago. In 1832, Calhoun County was established from lands that had been ceded from Chickasaw Indians in the Treaty of Pontotoc Creek earlier that same year. The county was named after South Carolina Senator John C. Calhoun who had served as vice president under Andrew Jackson from 1825 to 1832.
Calhoun County offers a variety of attractions for visitors to enjoy including historical sites such as the Old Bank Building Museum in Pittsboro, which features artifacts related to local history and culture; Magnolia Grove Plantation near Bruce which was built in 1838 and features a slave cabin; and Vardaman Park which celebrates local history with monuments dedicated to Confederate veterans and early settlers. Outdoor recreation opportunities abound throughout Calhoun County with options such as fishing at Clear Creek Lake or hunting at nearby wildlife management areas like Chunky River WMA or Cane Creek WMA.
Calhoun County has produced several famous individuals throughout its history including novelist William Faulkner who was born in New Albany; former U.S President George H.W Bush who grew up in nearby Oxford; musician Jimmy Buffett who attended high school in Clarksdale; actor Morgan Freeman who grew up in Charleston and attended high school in Greenwood; professional golfer John Daly who attended high school in Ripley; NFL Hall of Famer Brett Favre who grew up near Kilmichael; blues musician Robert Johnson who lived near Morgan City during his early years; country singer Marty Stuart who was born near Philadelphia; and author Shelby Foote whose family moved to Memphis when he was young but spent much of his childhood summers with relatives living near Pittsboro.
Climate and weather in Calhoun County, Mississippi
According to iamaccepted.com, Calhoun County, Mississippi has a humid subtropical climate, with hot and humid summers and mild winters. The region experiences four distinct seasons, with temperatures ranging from the mid-50s in winter to the mid-90s in summer. On average, the county receives around 50 inches of rain annually, with rainfall peaking during summer months.
In spring, temperatures begin to rise and plants bloom as days grow longer. The weather is usually mild and pleasant during this time of year, though there can be occasional thunderstorms that bring heavy rain and gusty winds. Summer is hot and humid in Calhoun County as temperatures reach their peak for the year. High humidity levels make it feel even hotter than it is outside so it’s important to stay hydrated and take breaks from the heat during these months. Rainfall is common throughout summer, sometimes accompanied by severe storms that can cause flooding or even tornadoes.
Fall brings cooler weather to Calhoun County as temperatures gradually drop throughout autumn months. The leaves of deciduous trees change color before falling off in preparation for winter which usually arrives around late November or early December. Winters in Calhoun County are typically mild but can still be chilly at times with lows occasionally reaching into the 20s or teens on especially cold nights. Snowfall is rare but can occur occasionally when conditions are just right for it to form.
Calhoun County has warm summers with high humidity levels and mild winters that are perfect for outdoor activities such as camping or fishing at nearby Clear Creek Lake; hunting at nearby wildlife management areas like Chunky River WMA or Cane Creek WMA; or visiting historical sites like Magnolia Grove Plantation near Bruce which was built in 1838 and features a slave cabin; Old Bank Building Museum in Pittsboro which features artifacts related to local history; or Vardaman Park which celebrates local history with monuments dedicated to Confederate veterans and early settlers.
Transportation in Calhoun County, Mississippi
Calhoun County, Mississippi is located in the north-central part of the state and has a population of around 14,000 people. It is easily accessible by car from neighboring states and cities due to its position along US Highway 45. Public transportation options are available in Calhoun County, though they are limited.
The closest major airport is Jackson-Evers International Airport located about an hour away in Jackson, Mississippi. The airport serves domestic flights from many major airlines and offers convenient connections to other parts of the US and international destinations.
The Calhoun County Transit Authority operates bus services throughout the county, with routes running through Bruce, Calhoun City, Derma, Pittsboro and Vardaman. The buses operate Monday through Friday from 6am to 6pm with some additional evening services available on certain days. Fares are affordable and tickets can be purchased at local convenience stores or directly from the bus driver when boarding.
Taxis are available in some areas of Calhoun County but can be hard to find outside of larger towns like Bruce or Pittsboro. Uber also operates in the area but can be unreliable due to a lack of drivers in rural areas.
Car rental companies such as Enterprise Rent-A-Car have locations in nearby towns such as Tupelo or Oxford which offer short-term rentals for visitors who want to explore more of the area without relying on public transport or taxis.
Cycling is another great way to get around Calhoun County as there are plenty of scenic routes for both road cyclists and mountain bikers alike, including a paved bike path that runs through Vardaman Park which is perfect for leisurely rides around town or for commuting between nearby towns like Bruce and Pittsboro.
Calhoun County offers a variety of transportation options depending on your needs; however, public transportation is limited so it’s best to plan ahead if you’re visiting from out of town or if you need to travel longer distances within the county itself.
Cities and towns in Calhoun County, Mississippi
According to Countryaah, Calhoun County, Mississippi is a rural county located in the northern part of the state. It is home to several small towns and cities, each with its own unique charm and character.
The county seat of Calhoun County is Pittsboro, which is also the largest town in the county. It has a population of around 1,400 people and offers a variety of amenities such as grocery stores, restaurants, banks, and medical facilities. The town also features an annual pig festival and other activities throughout the year.
The city of Bruce is located along US Highway 45 and has a population of around 1,800 people. It is known for its historic downtown area which features several antique shops and restaurants as well as a public library. The city hosts an annual music festival each summer that draws visitors from all over the region.
Derma is another small town located in Calhoun County with a population of around 500 people. It has an old-fashioned main street lined with quaint shops and cafes as well as some historic buildings from the late 1800s. Derma also boasts several churches including St John’s Episcopal Church which dates back to 1887.
Vardaman is one of the smallest towns in Calhoun County with a population of just over 300 people but it still offers plenty to do for visitors including fishing on nearby Lake Vardaman or visiting Vardaman Park where you can enjoy nature trails or take in views from atop its observation tower.
Calhoun City is perhaps best known for being home to Mississippi State University’s Calhoun City branch campus which offers courses in business administration and education among other areas of study. The town also features several parks including Jacko Park which hosts family-friendly events throughout the year such as movie nights or holiday celebrations.
There are plenty of interesting towns and cities to explore in Calhoun County; each offering something unique whether it be history or outdoor activities like fishing or hiking trails that will make your visit memorable.