|
|
About the Delta Area
Home to Greenville, Leland, Hollandale and Indianola
Washington County, located in the heart of the Mississippi Delta, is rich in history, and blessed with a great diversity of people, cultures, industry, and recreational opportunities. It is an area that welcomes visitors and newcomers with warm southern charm, and a wonderful array of sights, sound, and flavors. The population of the county is approximately 70,000, with the greatest number residing in the town of Greenville. Organized in 1828, and named in honor of President George Washington, it now ranks third in population among Mississippi’s 82 counties. The city of Greenville was named for Washington’s close friend, and Revolutionary War hero, Nathaniel Greene, and is the county seat of government.
Thousands of years before it became Washington County, this area was the home for a thriving Native American civilization. One of the most significant sites in the nation for prehistoric Indian culture is Winterville Mounds Park, located just a few miles north of Greenville on Highway 1. The Mounds were built by the Temple Mound Builders between 1000 and 1450 A.D., who were believed to be one of the most advanced groups of Indians in North America during that time.
During the Civil War, Union troops landed at Greenville, and when fired upon by residents, burned the settlement to the ground. The site occupies the highest elevation between Memphis and Vicksburg, so the city was quickly rebuilt.
The Great Flood of 1927 rushed through the Delta when the levee broke at Mounds Landing, a small ferry station on the Mississippi River, a few miles north of Greenville. The city streets were covered with water for 10 weeks, during what is now considered the worst flood of the 20th century in the United States. This flooding problem was corrected by the U.S. Corp of Engineers, who built a more extensive levy system, and rerouted the Mississippi River to create Lake Ferguson.
Greenville has survived both fire and flood, displaying resiliency and the ability to come together in times of crisis. This strength of spirit carries it proudly into the 21st century.
With its location on the Mississippi River, Greenville is the state’s largest river port. The city owes its economic stability to a well-balanced combination of agriculture, industry, medical facilities, tourism, and service enterprises. Retailers help to bring in consumers from surrounding counties to shop. In addition to the Greenville Mall, which is home to J.C. Penney’s, McRae’s, and Sears, as well as a number of smaller shops, the Greenville retail market offers K-Mart, Stein Mart, Office Depot, Goody’s, Wal-Mart Super Center, and Lowe’s Home Improvement. In fact, Greenville had the original Steinmart, which has now grown into a successful national chain. There is a large selection of other businesses, including numerous grocery stores, and a wide array of restaurants. The refurbished downtown area has two casinos, with the option for a third, and many fine eateries and nightclubs along historic and charming Walnut Street and the surrounding area. Area hotels and motels offer nearly 1200 beds for weary travelers, or visitors seeking a fun getaway.
Cotton still thrives as a major Delta crop, and has been joined by the highly successful catfish industry. Many agricultural companies have located research stations in the county, especially in the Stoneville and Leland area. A new 53,000 sq. ft. National Biological Control Laboratory, which will be a research facility testing methods of controlling pests without chemicals, is due to open in Stoneville in May of 2003.
The city of Greenville offers many choices for religious worship. It is home to the state’s second largest Jewish congregation, two Catholic parishes, and nearly 100 Protestant churches.
Washington County is reported and entertained by two newspapers, two television stations, and over a dozen radio stations. The Delta Democrat Times is a morning paper, published Sunday through Friday. Subscriptions are available by calling 662-335-1155. You can also visit their web site at www.ddtonline.com. The Leland Progress is published weekly. Subscriptions are available by calling 662-686-4081. Our two broadcast stations are WABG (ABC affiliate), Channel 6, and WXVT (CBS affiliate), Channel 15. Radio stations fill the airwaves with the sounds of gospel, country, easy listening, talk radio, contemporary, classic rock, R & B, and oldies.
U.S. Highway 82, U.S. Highway 61 (America’s Blues Highway) and Mississippi Highway 1 (the Great River Road) are the main transportation arteries through Greenville and Washington County. Work has begun to build a new four-lane bridge across the Mississippi River into Arkansas, on Highway 82. Due to open in 2006, it will be the longest cable stayed span in the United States, the third longest cable stayed span in North America, and one of the longest bridge spans of any type on the Mississippi River. The new bridge will cost approximately 200 million dollars.
Greenville is the western end of the Columbus and Greenville Railway, a regional shortline with approximately 225 miles of line. It runs east-west, and connects with the Illinois Central Railroad in Greenwood (50 miles east), and the Norfolk Southern Railroad in Columbus (150 miles east).
The Mid-Delta Regional Airport provides daily jet commuter service to Memphis, Tennessee, 150 miles north, via Northwest Airlink. The airport is also home to several airline related industries, the National Guard Armory, the Municipal Golf Course, and annual summer air show. There is a new Air Force Base Museum, which houses memoribilia from the years when it was an Air Force base. The airport has recently undergone expansion of its terminal that will enhance the travel experience for commuters. For more information regarding the airport, call 662-334-3121. To make reservations with Northwest Airlink, call 1-800-225-2525.
Greenville is the hub of river transportation for northwest Mississippi with the largest still water port between St. Louis, Missouri, and New Orleans, Louisiana, on the Mississippi River. Several towing related industries make their home here, some of which own fleets of barges or towboats, and some of which provide services to barge and boat owners.
Whatever style of home you are looking for, it is probably available in the Greater Greenville area. From family-oriented neighborhoods filled with modern homes, to older areas featuring homes with high ceilings and hardwood floors. From lake front homes with all the extras, to small homes on quiet streets, we have homes to fill a variety of needs, and different budgets. For those who prefer to rent, there are a number of apartments offering differing levels of amenities, as well as some houses for rent, most at very affordable rates. Even if you just want to live in the area for a few months before purchasing a new home, rental options are available.
The Greenville area has a number of educational options to offer from early childhood through the retirement years. We are proud of 88,000 sq. ft. Greenville Higher Education Center located on a 40-acre campus located at 2900 A. Hwy. 1 South.
Washington County Utility Info
Climate: In the City of Greenville, the temperatures range from a winter average of 47.5 degrees Fahrenheit, to a summer average of 81 degrees Fahrenheit. Annual average rainfall is 52-53 inches, and snowfall is rare.
Electrical service is provided by three companies. While Entergy Mississippi provides service to most of the area, Delta Electric Power Association, and Twin County Electric provide service in some parts of the county. Security deposits vary depending on location, ownership or rental, and type of dwelling.
- Entergy: 1-800-ENTERGY
- Delta Electric: 662-334-3510
- Twin County Electric: 662-827-2262
Natural Gas service is provided by Atmos . Security deposits vary depending on location, ownership or rental, and type of dwelling. In order to sign up for service, you must also show social security number, date of birth, and proof that you are at least 18 years of age.
Propane is also widely used in the county, and is available from several local suppliers.
Water service in Greenville is provided by the City of Greenville Water Department. Security deposits vary depending on location, ownership or rental, and type of dwelling.
Other areas throughout the county have their own water providers, such as Black Bayou Water Association, the City of Arcola Water Department, and the City of Hollandale Water Department.
- Black Bayou Water Association: 662-686-7150
- City of Arcola Water Department: 662-827-2063
- City of Greenville Water Department: 662-378-1578
- City of Hollandale Water Department: 662-827-2241
- City of Indianola Water Department: 662-887-3101
Garbage collection is provided by the City of Greenville Water Department inside Greenville. Those renting or purchasing homes should have a city approved container. If there is no container at the home, call the City Action Line at 378-1500. Garbage pickup is automatically authorized when a water deposit is made, and the charges are included on your monthly water bill. In the county, garbage collection is provided by Washington County Solid Waste. To arrange for collection in the county, call 662-334-2792.
Cable television service is provided to most of the area by Suddenlink. The rates vary depending on service options.
Telephone service
Washington County: Basic Resident Information
Local Government: Washington County is governed by a five-member board of supervisors, elected by district. The City of Greenville is the county seat, and is governed by a full-time mayor, elected at large, and six council members, elected by ward.
Voter Qualifications: A person must be registered 30 days prior to an election in order to vote in Mississippi or Washington County, and must:
- Be a citizen of the United States
- Be 18 years of age on or before election
- Be a resident of the state for 30 days
- Be a resident of the county for 30 days
- Be a resident of the election precinct for 30 days
Voter Registration: A person can either register within the city of his residence or at the Washington County Circuit Clerk’s Office in the County Courthouse at 900 Washington Avenue, in downtown Greenville. Registration will qualify you to vote in municipal and county elections. Mail-in voter registration applications may be obtained from the Mississippi Secretary of State’s Office, local post offices, local library, or the Washington County Circuit Clerk’s Office, to whom it should be mailed upon completion.
Washington County Circuit Clerk 662-378-2747
P. O. Box 1276
Greenville, MS 38702-1276
Mississippi Secretary of State 601-359-6357
Car license tags can be purchased at the Washington County Tax Collector’s Office, located in the Washington County Courthouse at 900 Washington Avenue, in downtown Greenville. A new resident from out of state must purchase a Mississippi license tag within 30 days of establishing residency. Those moving here from other parts of the state may wait until the normal expiration of their state license tag to apply for one locally. Tags are renewed each year on the anniversary date. Your last year’s tag receipt is needed. A tag must be purchased for a new car within seven working days, and the bill of sale and title are required.
- Washington County Tax Collector 662-378-2922
Automobile inspection is required, and a sticker is applied to the windshield of the vehicle once it has passed inspection. There are many inspection stations throughout the county at garages, service stations, etc. Yearly cost for inspection is $5.00.
Mississippi driver’s license fee is $20 for four years. The Mississippi Driver’s License Bureau is located on Highway 82, about nine miles west of downtown Greenville. Cash payment is required the first time you obtain a license, but renewal fees can be paid by check. You should call to find out what documentation will be needed if you do not currently possess a driver’s license. Residents moving here from out of state are required to obtain a Mississippi license within 60 days, but are only required to take the written and eye exams if already licensed.
- Mississippi Driver’s License Bureau 662-332-4734
- Mississippi Department of Public Safety 601-987-1212
Marriage licenses are issued after three days waiting period for receipt of blood test results from approved Mississippi medical lab. Proof of birth date and results of blood test must be made within 30 days of application. Those under the age of 21 years of age must have parental consent.
- Washington County Circuit Court Clerk 662-378-2747.
Visit the Washington County Convention & Visitors Bureau
|
