Itta Bena is in Leflore County, Mississippi. Prior to the arrival of European-Americans, the Choctaw Indians occupied the Mississippi Delta region, which includes the site of Itta Bena. After the Indian Removal Act and the Treaty of Dancing Rabbit Creek, the Choctaws were removed from Mississippi. The founder of the town of Itta Bena was Benjamin Grubb Humphreys, who came to the area in the 1850s after several crop failures at his ancestral home in Claiborne County, finding new farm land along Roebuck Lake, which had been formed when the river changed course. Using slaves from his plantations, he cleared farm land from the overgrown river bottom land. He was soon joined by friends from Claiborne County, who also began to acquire land. Once he had built a substantial home, Humphreys’ family joined him, naming his new home for the Choctaw words for “home in the woods.” The main portion of his home still exists, and is probably still being used as a residence. Humphreys served as a Confederate general during the Civil War, and was elected governor of Mississippi in 1865, during the Reconstruction period. As other settlers moved to the area, particularly after the Columbus and Greenville Railroad came through in 1888, the new town took the name of the Humphreys plantation, and was incorporated in 1889. A post office was established there in 1918. Marion Barry, who later became mayor of Washington D.C., was born in Itta Bena, and the Blues musician, B.B. King, was born in Itta Beta, although he considered the nearby city of Indianola to be his home. Surrounding communities include Runnymede to the east, and Berclair to the west. Greenwood, Mississippi is about ten miles east of Itta Bena.
Recommended Resources
The apartment community in the town of Itta Bena, Mississippi offers one, two and three-bedroom apartments, with five different floor plans, which are presented here, along with directions and a map, contacts, a list of features and amenities, as well as area attractions.
http://www.compasspointeapts.net/
Fast Command - Mississippi Valley State University
The digital disaster response system for the Mississippi Valley State University in Itta Bena, Mississippi provides web-based communications during emergency events. During such an event, the disaster action plan or directives will be posted to this site. Contact information is also provided.
http://mvsu.fastcommand.com/
The company began in the mid-1970s when William Tackett, his son, Jim Tackett, and son-in-law, Joe Walker, began farming catfish in the Schlater, Mississippi area, calling their operation Tacket Fish Farms, currently operating in Itta Bena, Mississippi. Its history, an overview of the facilities, its products, recipes, and dealerships are recognized.
http://www.catfish.net/
Founded in 1846, Itta Bena is a Mississippi Delta town in Leflore County. The official municipal web site features a profile and history of the community, a business directory, administrative and departmental contacts, meeting agendas and minutes, and a guide to local schools, organizations, and activities.
http://ittabenams.homestead.com/
Mississippi Valley State University
MVSU is a historically black university near the Mississippi Delta town of Itta Bena, Mississippi. A history and profile of the institution is advanced, along with its admissions policies, academic programs, and accreditation status. A school calendar, faculty and staff directory, news and notifications are posted to the site.
http://www.mvsu.edu/
Mississippi Valley State University Athletics
The MVSU sports programs are highlighted here, including its men’s baseball, basketball, cross country, football, golf, and track and field, as well as its women’s basketball, cross country, golf, soccer, softball, track and field, and volleyball. Online ticket sales, its hall of fame, recruiting policies, and employment opportunities are drawn attention to.
http://www.mvsusports.com/
Scott Petroleum is a family-owned discount home appliance store in Itta Bena, Mississippi, and an authorized dealer for Electrolux, Holland Grills, KitchenAid, Whirlpool, and others. Its location, hours of operation, available brands, and store details are published to the site.
http://www.scottpetroleumittabena.com/
