The Charming Small Town In Mississippi That Was Named After A Boarding School
So many Mississippi town names have stories behind them. One such municipal moniker is Seminary. Today, the small town is most known for offering some of the best canoeing and kayaking in Mississippi, but that wasn’t always the case. Year ago, it was revered for being home to one of the state’s top educational facilities – something that’s clearly had a long-standing effect on the town.
The smallest of small towns, Seminary is home to just a few hundred residents.
Despite its small size, most Mississippians are familiar with Seminary since Okatoma Creek, a popular paddling spot, runs right through it. However, while most are aware of Seminary’s existence, many are completely unaware of the town’s history, which goes back much further than its 1899 incorporation date.
In 1845, A. R. Graves, an area resident and Presbyterian pastor, opened Zion Seminary, a boarding school for men and women.
Zion Seminary burned down during the Civil War. It’s alleged that Union sympathizers – not Union soldiers – started the fire that destroyed the school; however, this notion hasn’t been proven.
Zion Seminary isn’t the only thing that brought people to the area, though. In the late-1800s, hordes of lumber companies descended upon the Piney Woods region of Mississippi. It was around this time that Seminary’s population began to boom. In 1899, Seminary residents petitioned the state for incorporation. When it was granted, citizens chose the name Seminary in honor of the school that once drew people to the town.
These days, people head to Seminary for far different reasons than those of decades ago.
A great day trip destination, Shady Acres Village is home to a family restaurant with southern-style cooking and BBQ – but that’s not all. The village also features an old-timey general store, bakery, and garden center.
To reserve this rustic retreat, check out the listing on VRBO.
Want to know more about this charming small town in Mississippi? Check out the Town of Seminary Facebook page, where you’ll find info on town happenings, events, and more.
So, how do you think Seminary ranks as far as rural Mississippi towns go? Ever been to Seminary? If so, did you visit any of the places mentioned above? Did we miss your favorite Seminary spot? Whatever it is, tell us!
When it comes to Mississippi town names, Seminary isn’t the only moniker with some meaning behind it. Check out these Mississippi town names, which most don’t know the meaning behind.
Address: Seminary, MS 39479, USA
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Though Daniella was born in New York and has lived in a couple of other states, Mississippi has been her home for the past 25 years. After graduating from the University of Southern Mississippi, Daniella began to hone her writing skills through various internships, working for The Royal Obsession and Anatomie clothing. In the years since, she’s had the privilege of having her articles appear in several publications, such as Parents & Kids Magazine and Girl Meets Strong. She’s also had the honor of interviewing actress Sela Ward for The Mississippi Arts and Entertainment Experience.
