Rodney in Jefferson County, Mississippi — The American South (East South Central)
Dr. Rush Nutt (1781-1837)
Windsor Battlefield Tour
Dr. Rush Nutt, who built Laurel Hill Plantation about 1815, is known for his agricultural and scientific study for initiating improvements in agricultural implements and techniques and for his civic contributions in early statehood days in Mississippi. A native of Virginia, where his father was a wealthy and successful planter, Dr. Nutt moved to Mississippi Territory in 1805 to become a physician and pioneer planter in early agricultural reforms. Dr. Nutt is generally considered second only to William Dunbar. He developed the Mexican strain of cotton that became popular in the 1830s, commonly referred to as the Petit Gulf variety because it was first grown here. This cotton was easy to pick, immune to rot, and produced fibers of superior quality. Dr. Nutt improved the Whitney Cotton Gin by adding flumes for sorting dirt from the staples. He was first in Mississippi to use a steam engine to drive cotton gins. Dr. Nutt encouraged others to use field peas as fertilizer and to plow under cotton and corn stalks rather than burning them. He popularized contour or horizontal plowing to prevent hillside erosion. He was one of three founders of Oakland College.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Agriculture • Education • Science & Medicine • Settlements & Settlers.
Location. 31° 51.779′ N, 91° 11.995′ W. Marker is in Rodney, Mississippi, in Jefferson County. Marker is on Muddy Bayou Road north of Rodney Road, on the right when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Lorman MS 39096, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Old Town of Rodney - Structures (here, next to this marker); Old Town of Rodney (here, next to this marker); Old Rodney to Bruinsburg Road (here, next to this marker); Laurel Hill Plantation (here, next to this marker); Rodney Presbyterian Church (a few steps from this marker); Old Rodney Presbyterian Church (a few steps from this marker); Old Town of Rodney - Layout (within shouting distance of this marker); History of Rodney - Her Rise (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Rodney.
Credits. This page was last revised on November 23, 2019. It was originally submitted on July 10, 2018, by Cajun Scrambler of Assumption, Louisiana. This page has been viewed 469 times since then and 48 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on July 19, 2018.