The Free State of Jones
The New State of Jones rests upon the notion that there exists an “old” State of Jones. However, you do not have to lose one to embrace the other. A restless, some may say rebellious, spirit stirs from the first generations who settled in Jones County near Ellisville and seceded from the Confederacy to create the Free State of Jones.
Devil’s Den
Visitors to Jones County often express interest in where Newt Knight and his band of deserters hid out during the Civil War. Many skirmishes and drives were staged in Jones… Continue reading Devil’s Den
Ellisville Courthouse
Knight and his men hoisted the Union Flag over Ellisville Courthouse in March 1864, signaling the end of the Confederacy in Jones County. Photo Source
Knight Family Cemetery
The Knight Family Cemetery, located deep within the Piney Woods just outside of Jones County, is the final resting place of Newt Knight, his beloved common-law wife, Rachel and other… Continue reading Knight Family Cemetery
The Deason Home
The Civil War left an indelible mark on the state of Mississippi and the old home of Amos Deason is just such a place where the Civil War has not… Continue reading The Deason Home
1862-1875
The New State of Jones rests upon the notion that there exists an “old” State of Jones. However, you do not have to lose one to embrace the other. A restless, some may say rebellious, spirit stirs from the first generations who settled in Jones County near Ellisville and seceded from the Confederacy to create the Free State of Jones.
1882-1950
As the turn-of-the-century brought the next generation of restless, progressive entrepreneurs leaving their homes in the Midwest to carve out a new home, the population centered on Laurel where the sawmills saw blacks and whites working side-by-side, a growing middle class of merchants arise, Mississippi’s first museum built and the first public school for African-American children established.
1950-PRESENT
Today, this subtle, rebellious spirit of her residents still lies under the surface as young families forsake the ubiquitous surroundings of large, suburban cities for a slower pace of life. Never has it been more evident with the majority of growth realized by self-made, multi generational companies and world-class corporations who call Jones County home.
