Although a second county seat was authorized at Laurel, to the northeast, the primary county seat of Jones County is Ellisville, Mississippi, which contains most of the county government. The city was named for Powhatan Ellis, a former US Senator for Mississippi, a descendant of Pocahontas and her father, Chief Powhatan in Virginia. During the Civil War, Ellisville and Jones County were at the center of pro-Union resistance in Mississippi. Slaves made up only 12% of the county’s population in 1860, the lowest concentration of slaves in the state. Many local residents resisted going to war to support slaveholders, and were concerned about the welfare of their families, who were dependent solely on subsistence farming. Resentment was also fueled by Confederate tax collectors who raided the provisions and stores that local families needed in order to survive. Confederate deserters and refugee slaves formed a resistance group known as the Knight Company, for Newton Knight, its self-appointed captain. Along with about 100 other Jones County residents and runaway slaves, they took refuge in a swamp that was located along the Leaf River, fighting skirmishes with Confederate tax collectors and Confederate military units that were later sent to put down the resistance. In 1864, they took control of Ellisville, raising the U.S. flag in place of the Confederate flag over the courthouse. This events is commemorated in the 2015 book, The Free State of Jones, by Victoria Bynum, and the 2016 film by the same name. Following the Civil War, Ellisville never regained its previous status as the economic center of the county, losing status to Laurel. Ellisville is primarily white, while the population of Laurel is primarily African-American. Ellisville is situated along US Highway 59. Surrounding communities include Benson, Calhoun, Johnson, Lanham, Pleasant Ridge, Tawanta, and Tuckers Crossing. Hattiesburg, Mississippi is about 25 miles southwest of Ellisville.
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Directions, hours of operation, and contacts for the used car dealership in Ellisville, Mississippi are featured. Its inventory of cars, trucks, SUVs, vans and other vehicles may be searched by style, price, or make, and special offers are highlighted, along with information about buying and selling a car.
http://www.awmotorsllc.com/
The Jones County Junior College’s athletics teams are highlighted, including its men’s baseball, basketball, football, golf, tennis and soccer programs, and its women’s basketball, soccer, softball and tennis programs, a history of the teams, access to various forms, game schedules, and results.
http://www.jcjcathletics.com/
Ellisville, Mississippi was the major commercial and population center of Jones County until the late 1800s and early 1900s, and continues to be the primary county seat, a designation it shares with Laurel. The official municipal web site offers a history and profile of the city, administrative contacts, meeting agendas and minutes, and a guide to area facilities and services.
http://www.cityofellisvillems.com/
Independently owned and operated, the Ellisville, Mississippi business carries a wide selection of auto parts, lawn and garden equipment, farm equipment, outdoor recreation vehicles and supplies, and is an authorized dealer for Arctic Cat ATVs and side by sides, Kioti tractors and implements, Husqvarna mowers, trimmers, saws and blowers, DR Power Brand equipment, Hustler Turf Zero turn mowers, and Bush Hog cutters.
http://www.ellisvilleautosupply.com/
Offering a selection of pre-owned cars, trucks, vans, and SUVs, the automobile dealership is located along Highway 11 South in Ellisville, Mississippi. Directions, hours of operation, its inventory, and special offers are featured, with its privacy policy and a dealer login.
http://www.ellisvillemotors.com/
In operation since 1911, the bookstore is situated on South Court Street in Ellisville, Mississippi, specializing in textbooks, course materials, and supplies for Jones County Junior College, but carrying a selection of other books as well. Store hours, a calendar of events, and its theft prevention and return policies are stated.
http://www.jcjcbookstore.com/
Named for John Paul Jones, Jones County was organized in 1825, and has named both Ellisville and Laurel as its county seats. Directions and contacts for its administrative and departmental offices are set forth, and an overview of its services, facilities, and funded agencies are included.
http://www.jonescountyms.com/
STX Entertainment: Free State of Jones
Based on the true story told by Victoria Bynum, the 2016 movie, starring Matthew McConaughey, relates in dramatic form the actions of a group of Confederate deserters and runaway slaves, who fought an insurrection against Confederate tax collectors and Confederate troops who were sent to bring it to an end. The movie trailer may be viewed on the site, along with reviews, testimonials, and ticket sales.
http://stxmovies.com/freestateofjones/
Between 1863 and the middle of 1864, an armed group of Confederate deserters fought Confederate officials and cavalry troops in the Piney Woods area of Jones County, Mississippi. Calling themselves the Knight Company, they took over the county seat of Ellisville at one time. The story is told in a book authored by Victoria Bynum. An author biography, reviews, photographs, and an online store are included.
http://www.free-state-of-jones.com/