Ridgeland in Madison County, Mississippi — The American South (East South Central)
Ridgeland's Agricultural Heritage
| | Ridgeland History Trail | |
Photographed by Mark Hilton, October 25, 2024
1. Ridgeland's Agricultural Heritage Marker
While modern-day Ridgeland is home to numerous retail outlets, office complexes, and industries, the early economy was based on agriculture. The area around the Village of Ridgeland grew to be one of the most successful commercial farming sections in the state. Vegetables and fruits were regularly shipped via the railroad to markets as far away as Chicago. Ridgeland was especially known for producing strawberries, pecans, peaches, and pears. This is reflected today in the names of many of Ridgeland's streets, including Pear Orchard Road where you are standing.
One of the biggest promoters of Ridgeland's agricultural industry was James Brownlow Yellowley. A lawyer and planter by profession, he was an active member of the Farmer's Institute and president of the Mississippi Horticultural Society. He also sponsored a series of agricultural education programs in cooperation with Mississippi A&M, now Mississippi State University.
To highlight their success in commercial farming, the Ridgeland Horticultural Society hosted annual picnics for several years. They became very popular events, drawing several thousand participants from the surrounding area. In addition to agricultural displays, there were horse races, bands, and baseball games between Ridgeland and Madison Station.
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Erected 2024 by the City of Ridgeland. (Marker Number 18.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Agriculture.
Location. 32° 24.866′ N, 90° 7.404′ W. Marker is in Ridgeland, Mississippi, in Madison County. It is at the intersection of South Pear Orchard Road and Lake Harbour Drive, on the left when traveling south on South Pear Orchard Road. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Ridgeland MS 39157, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in Natchez Trace Corridor and in Greater Jackson. It is also in the American South and specifically in the Deep South. Globally, it is in North America, a Gulf of Mexico state, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture, one of the Confederate States of America, and the Antebellum South.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 2 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Ridgelands Native American Heritage (approx. half a mile away); Ridgeland (approx. 0.8 miles away); Northpark Mall (approx. 0.9 miles away); Highways And Byways (approx. 0.9 miles away); The Pecan Our City Tree (approx. one mile away); Natchez Trace Parkway (approx. one mile away); Highland Colony Company (approx. 1.1 miles away); Civil War (approx. 1.1 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Ridgeland.
Photographed by Mark Hilton, October 25, 2024
2. Ridgeland's Agricultural Heritage Marker
View towards Lake Harbour Dr.
Photographed by Mark Hilton, October 25, 2024
3. Ridgeland's Agricultural Heritage Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on October 27, 2024. It was originally submitted on October 27, 2024, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama. This page has been viewed 161 times since then and 30 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on October 27, 2024, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama.
