Mileston in Holmes County, Mississippi — The American South (East South Central)
Mileston
Photographed by Mark Hilton, October 22, 2026
1. Mileston Marker
In 1940, the U.S. government purchased 10,000 acres of farmland to establish Mileston as one of thirteen African American cooperative communities. At its height, it included a store and medical clinic. Mileston was the epicenter of the Civil Rights Movement in Holmes County and was protected by African American veterans. Leaders such as Hartman Turnbow, Rev. J.J. Russell, Griffin McLaurin. and Rosie Head were active in the Civil Rights Movement and formed a chapter of the Mississippi Freedom Democratic Party.
Erected 2022 by Mississippi Department of Archives and History.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Civil Rights • Settlements & Settlers. In addition, it is included in the Mississippi State Historical Marker Program series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1940.
Location. 33° 6.663′ N, 90° 16.468′ W. Marker is in Mileston, Mississippi, in Holmes County. It is on U.S. 49E south of Milestone Road, on the left when traveling south. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Tchula MS 39169, United States
this page online
Regionally, this marker is in Central Mississippi. It is also in the American South, specifically in the Deep South, and in the Mississippi Delta. 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 4 other markers are within 15 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Tchula (approx. 5.8 miles away); Holmes County Blues Tchula (approx. 5.8 miles away); Alexander V. Holmes County (approx. 6.6 miles away); Robert G. Clark Jr. (approx. 14.4 miles away).
Photographed by Mark Hilton, October 22, 2026
2. Mileston Marker across from the West Holmes Community Mart.
Credits. This page was last revised on October 22, 2026. It was originally submitted on October 22, 2026, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama. This page has been viewed 6 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on October 22, 2026, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama.
