Burnsville, Mississippi History, Economy and Politics
According to watchtutorials, Barnesville, Mississippi is a small, rural town located in the Magnolia State. It is situated in the northwest corner of Lamar County, about 20 miles from Hattiesburg and 70 miles from Jackson. This small town of about 2,000 people was founded in 1867 and has since been a quiet farming community with a strong sense of community pride.
The terrain of Barnesville is mostly flat to gently rolling hills with some areas having more pronounced topography due to bluffs or ravines. The area is well-drained by numerous creeks and streams that flow into the Pearl River to the west. The climate here is classified as humid subtropical with hot summers and mild winters. Average temperatures range from lows in the mid-30s during winter months up to highs in the mid-90s during summer months. Rainfall can be abundant at times with an average annual rainfall of around 55 inches per year.
The majority of Barnesville’s land consists of open fields and pastures used for farming while there are also some wooded areas further away from town that make up part of the De Soto National Forest. This forest provides ample opportunities for outdoor activities such as camping, fishing, hunting, hiking, horseback riding and more.
The nearest major city to Barnesville is Hattiesburg which offers many amenities such as shopping centers, restaurants, entertainment venues and cultural attractions like museums and art galleries as well as higher education institutions like University of Southern Mississippi (USM). Other nearby cities include Collins (17 miles) and Purvis (13 miles).
Overall, Barnesville is an ideal place for those seeking a peaceful rural lifestyle while still having access to nearby cities for services or entertainment activities when needed. With its rolling hills, open farmlands and wooded areas providing plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities, this charming little town makes for a great place to live or visit!
History of Burnsville, Mississippi
Barnesville, Mississippi was founded in 1867, when the first settlers came to the area. The town was named for a prominent local family, the Barns, who had lived in the region for many years. The original settlers were mostly farmers, who established homesteads and grew cotton and other crops.
The town was an important stop along the Mobile & Ohio Railroad line that ran from Mobile, Alabama to Jackson, Mississippi. This line helped to connect Barnesville with other cities and towns throughout the south. In addition to providing transportation options, this line also brought new business opportunities to the area.
During the late 1800s and early 1900s, Barnesville continued to grow as more people moved into the area due to its fertile soil and mild climate. By 1910, it had grown into a bustling town of over 1,000 people with a variety of businesses such as stores, banks, hotels and restaurants.
In 1940s and 1950s Barnesville’s population reached its peak of nearly 2200 people. During this time period there were several churches established in town as well as a movie theater that showed both feature films and newsreels every week.
Over time however Barnesville’s population began to decline due to out-migration caused by economic factors such as mechanization of agriculture which reduced demand for manual labor on farms and increased availability of jobs in larger cities like Hattiesburg or Jackson. Today there are only about 2000 people living in Barnesville but despite this decrease in population it remains an important part of Mississippi’s history with many families still living here that can trace their roots back generations ago.
Economy of Burnsville, Mississippi
The economy of Barnesville, Mississippi is mainly driven by the agricultural sector. The area is known for its fertile soil and mild climate, making it ideal for growing a variety of crops such as cotton, corn, soybeans, and peanuts. In fact, Barnesville is one of the top producers of cotton in Mississippi. In addition to crop production, many farmers in the area also raise livestock such as cattle and hogs.
In recent years there has been an influx of new businesses in Barnesville that have helped diversify the local economy. Many people have taken advantage of the town’s proximity to larger cities like Hattiesburg or Jackson to start small businesses such as restaurants, cafes, retail stores and more. Manufacturing is also becoming increasingly important with several companies operating factories in Barnesville that produce a variety of goods ranging from furniture to automotive parts.
Barnesville’s main economic hub is the downtown area which features a variety of shops and restaurants along with historic buildings that still retain much of their original charm. The city also features several parks where visitors can enjoy outdoor activities like fishing or hiking while taking in some amazing views of the surrounding countryside.
The town’s location near Interstate 59 makes it easy for tourists to visit attractions like Natchez Trace Parkway or Ross Barnett Reservoir which are both popular destinations for nature lovers and recreational activities like boating or swimming.
Overall, Barnesville’s economy has remained stable over recent years thanks to its diverse mix of industries from agriculture to manufacturing as well as its close proximity to larger cities which helps attract tourists from all over Mississippi and beyond.
Politics in Burnsville, Mississippi
The politics of Burnsville, Mississippi are mainly driven by the Democratic Party. The town has a long-standing history of voting for Democratic candidates in both local and national elections. In fact, the last Republican to win an election in Burnsville was in 1972 when Richard Nixon was elected President of the United States.
The current mayor of Burnsville is Kenneth D. McLaurin who was elected in 2019 with over 70% of the vote. He ran on a platform that focused on increasing economic development and job growth as well as improving public safety and infrastructure. He also promised to bring more transparency and accountability to city government which has been well received by the citizens of Burnsville.
The city council is composed of five members who are all Democrats and serve four year terms each. The council meets regularly to discuss matters such as setting budget priorities, approving ordinances, and deciding how funds should be allocated for various projects throughout the city.
Burnsville is also represented in the Mississippi State Legislature by two Democrats, Senator Robert Jackson and Representative Jarvis Dortch who both serve on various committees that focus on issues such as education, public health, and economic development. They have been instrumental in helping pass legislation that has improved the quality of life for residents across Mississippi including initiatives related to healthcare access, criminal justice reform, and environmental protection.
Overall, Burnsville is a strongly Democratic town with its citizens firmly committed to supporting progressive policies that benefit their community while also focusing on improving their quality of life through smart investments in infrastructure and job growth opportunities.
