Alligator, Mississippi is a small town located in Bolivar County, Mississippi. It is situated on the banks of the Yazoo River, about 10 miles west of Cleveland. With a population of just over 1000 people, Alligator is a peaceful and quiet place to live. Check Countryaah to see other cities in Mississippi.
The town was founded in 1845 by William Wigfall, who named it after the alligators that lived in the nearby rivers and bayous. The first settlers were mainly farmers and cotton planters who came to take advantage of the fertile soil in the area. In 1873, Alligator became an official post office and by 1880 it had grown to include a general store, blacksmith shop, cotton gin and several other businesses.
Today, Alligator is still a small town but has managed to maintain its historic charm with its old-fashioned storefronts and homes from the 19th century. The town’s main street is lined with antique shops and cafes that offer visitors a glimpse into its past. There are also several parks within walking distance from downtown where people can enjoy outdoor activities such as fishing or hiking on trails through nearby woods or along the riverbanks.
In addition to its unique history, Alligator boasts many attractions for those looking for something more than just sightseeing. The town hosts an annual festival called “Alligator Days” which features live music and other entertainment as well as vendors selling crafts and food items from around the world. There are also several museums in town dedicated to preserving local history such as the Delta Blues Museum which showcases artifacts related to blues music in Mississippi Delta region or the Bolivar County Museum which houses artifacts from various historical periods including Native American artifacts dating back thousands of years ago.
Alligator also offers plenty of opportunities for outdoor recreation such as fishing on nearby lakes or rivers or camping at nearby state parks like Lake George Wildlife Management Area or Percy Quin State Park which both provide stunning views of nature along with plenty of recreational activities like hiking trails or boating opportunities.
Overall, Alligator is a quiet but vibrant little community that offers something for everyone whether it’s exploring its rich history through museums or simply enjoying some much needed rest and relaxation surrounded by beautiful scenery that nature has provided us with here in Mississippi Delta region.
History of Alligator, Mississippi
Alligator, Mississippi is a small town located in Bolivar County, just east of the Mississippi River. It was first settled in the early 1800s by a group of settlers from Louisiana who were looking for a new place to call home. The settlers chose the area because of its close proximity to the river and its abundance of timber and wildlife.
The town was originally called Alligator Station, but it was later shortened to simply Alligator. The name is believed to have come from the alligators that inhabited the nearby swamps and bayous. The town’s first post office was established in 1848 and by 1860 it had grown to include two stores, two churches, a schoolhouse, and several homes.
During the Civil War, Alligator was occupied by Union forces who used it as a supply depot for their troops stationed in nearby Vicksburg. After the war ended, many former slaves settled in Alligator and helped shape its history over the next several decades. They established businesses such as grocery stores and blacksmith shops that served both their own community as well as those of other towns in Bolivar County.
By 1900, Alligator had grown into a thriving community with several businesses such as sawmills, grist mills, cotton gins, banks, churches and schools. It also had electric lights thanks to an independent power company that supplied electricity to both residential homes and commercial businesses throughout town.
Alligator continued to grow throughout much of the 20th century with new schools being built for black students after integration became law in 1954. As more families moved into the area during this time period, local businesses expanded their services to better accommodate them which included more restaurants opening up along Main Street.
Today, Alligator is still a small rural town but it has managed to retain much of its original charm over time while embracing modern amenities like high-speed internet access which has allowed many residents to work remotely or start their own small business enterprises from home. While some locals have moved away due to lack of job opportunities or other reasons, many have stayed put due to their deep roots in this community that dates back generations ago when their ancestors were among some of the first settlers here so long.
