Clarke County

Population:  in 1900

                    in 1910

                   500 in 1920 (according to Dun & Bradstreet)

Town incorporated:  4-14-1858

Post office: 3-18-1856 to 2-28-1959

Railroads: M&O- GM&O- ICG- Midsouth- Meridian Southern

Next Town North- Quitman

M&O Milepost 104.37

(from Mobile, Ala.)

Next Town South- Sumrall's Switch

1914 soil survey map

1964 USGS topo map

"This village was settled four miles south of Quitman in 1830 and named for Hernando DeSoto. 

Before DeSoto began his expedition through Mississippi, the site on which the town now stands was the location of an Indian village. An Indian trace extended south to the coast and the trace which later connected the cities of Savannah, Georgia and Natchez ran through this village. Later as the white man came into possession of the land, a wagon road was built with a large covered bridge spanning the Chickasawhay River at this point. The early pioneers, pushing westward, lodged at the DeSoto Tavern."

INDUSTRY -

1916 ICC Valuation Map                click map for larger version                 Tony Howe Collection

Bob Gilbert with M&O depot at DeSoto and Southern Ry boxcar in background.

DeSoto artesian well with M&O depot in background. 

C. V. Atkin- general store 1920

E. B. (Mrs. J. W.) Chancellor- sawmill 1920

D. T. Coker- sawmill 1920

DeSoto Drug Co.- 1920

G. W. Ferrill- hotel 1868

J. B. Gordon & Co.- general store 1868

W. Knight- dry goods 1868

Miss Fannie McFadden- millinery 1920

A. McFadden & Co.- general store 1920

R. J. McLeod & Co.- general store 1868

M. Overstreet- dry goods 1868

G. W. Roberts- blacksmith 1920

Shirley Bros.- general store 1920

F. A. Todd- general store 1920

A. Warren- general store 1868

R. D. Weems & Co.- general store 1868

T. E. Wood & Co.- general store 1920