Vancleave is an unincorporated town in west-central Jackson County, in southeastern Mississippi. The first European settlement of the area was in 1721, when French colonists settled the Chaumont Concession, which didn’t last long. The land came into the possession of the United States in 1810, and Jackson County was created in 1812, with Mississippi joining the Union in 1817. The community developed along Bluff Creek in the early 1800s, and was originally known as Bluff Creek. By 1850, the pine forests of central Mississippi were exploited for timber, charcoal, and ship-building material. Slaves were imported to work the turpentine orchards. After the Civil War, these slaves were emancipated, and black families owned the highland northwest of Mounger’s Creek, which became the primary settlement after they sold out to white families in the late 1800s, while black communities were formed north and west at Greenhead Creek. Another group of people, known as Creoles, who were probably descendants of indigenous Native Americans, inhabited the Vancleave area, working as subsistence farmers and charcoal burners. In 1870, the postmaster renamed the town for a former merchant, Robert A. Van Cleave. In the early 1900s, Vancleave had three separate segregated schools for white, black and Creole children, although the Creoles were gradually assimilated into the local population. By the time of the Great Depression of the 1930s, the local timber supplies were depleted. Instead, a canning plant for fruits and vegetables was built, along with a sewing factory and shuttle mill, while some pulp wood harvesting continued. The last couple of decades have seen a steady influx of people looking to get out of the larger cities, find cheaper land, and relief from high taxes.
Recommended Resources
The 8-acre vineyard is situated in the southern Mississippi town of Vancleave, currently offering five hybrids of the muscadine grape. Directions to the vineyard are given, along with a picking schedule and hours, general information about muscadines, recipes, and a photo gallery.
http://www.boggycreekvineyard.com/
Organized in the early 1900s, the congregation was originally known as Vancleave Baptist Church, adopting its current name in 1977. A map and directions to the church are given, along with a calendar of programs and events, staff contacts, office hours and a sermon archive.
http://fbcvancleave.org/
Home of Grace Addiction Recovery
Established in 1965 and based in Vancleave, Mississippi, the recovery facility offers freedom from addiction through a Christian based recovery program that includes a three-month residency at one of its two campuses, as well as individual and group counseling, worship programs, classroom instruction, and an adult education program.
https://www.homeofgrace.org/
Family owed and operated, the Vancleave, Mississippi business offers services and repairs on Ford diesel trucks, as well as roadside assistance, fleet servicing, engine repair, transmission repair, and other services. Wheels, lift kits, and accessories are available. Directions, hours of operation, and contacts are posted.
http://pkdiesel.com/
Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints
The congregation meets at its facilities on Mount Pleasant Road in the town of Vancleave, Mississippi. General information about the denomination is put forward, along with an overview of the local church’s history, programs and ministries, a calendar of events, church officers, contacts, and office hours.
http://www.vancleaverlds.org/
Robert E. O’Dell, Attorney at Law
In practice for more than twenty-five years, the law firm in Vancleave, Mississippi specializes in longshore injuries and workers’ compensation, personal injury, and general practice suits. Directions to the firm’s offices, office hours and contacts are posted to the site, with an overview of it areas of practice and appointment policies.
http://www.gulfcoastlawyer.net/
Vancleave Lower Elementary School
Located along Highway 57 in Vancleave, Mississippi, the school is a part of the Jackson County School District. A map and directions to the campus are given, along with faculty and administrative contacts, a registration schedule, parent handbook, student supply list, menus, and announcements.
http://vlebulldogsmain.weebly.com/
Listing residential properties and acreage throughout Jackson County, Mississippi, the real estate brokerage is located in Vancleave. An introduction to the owner and broker is given, and real estate listings are available on the site, including its marketing plan, office hours and contacts.
http://www.vancleaverealestate.com/
