Walnut Grove, Mississippi is a town in southern Leake County. The community began in a nearby location, now known as Old Walnut Grove, which began as cotton plantations during the period before the American Civil War. A post office was established in 1854, and the town was incorporated in 1884. Electricity and street lights were installed in the early 1900s. However, the Jackson and Eastern Railway came through to an area, missing the town by a short distance, so a town was surveyed at the current location in 1923, and the town center moved to its current location. The town hall, post office and library have remained in Old Walnut Grove. Two canals were built in the late 1920s, and the town received telephone service in 1927. A sewer and water system was installed in 1962, and natural gas became available in 1966. The town organized a volunteer fire department in 1970, although a fire truck was not purchased until 1974. In 1981, William Grady Sims was elected mayor, and served until 2012. Under his leadership, the town annexed the property of the privately operated Walnut Grove Youth Correctional Facility, and Sims was appointed warden of the facility in 2009. The facility became the largest youth facility in the nation, but it was also rated among the ten worst prisons in the country. During his first year as warden, Sims took a female prisoner to a motel and raped her. He was indicted on federal charges, and the prison was closed in 2016. Nearby communities include Good Hope, Hays, Horseshoe, Lena, Madden, Piggtown, Sebastopol, Standing Pine, and Tuscola. Carthage, Mississippi is about ten miles north of Walnut Grove.
 
 
Recommended Resources
Established in Walnut Grove, Mississippi in 1923, the independent, locally owned bank offers a wide range of services that include deposit accounts, home mortgage loans, and other products. Its location, lobby and drive-through hours, ATM locations, and contacts are posted to the site.
https://www.bankofwalnutgrove.com/
Located on Spruce Street in Walnut Grove, Mississippi, the 9-12th grade campus is part of the Leake County School District. A school schedule, faculty and staff directory, teacher’s web sites, and policy information are put forward, along with a photo gallery, announcements, and other resources.
http://leakesd.lchs.schooldesk.net/
The congregation meets at its facilities on Pine Grove Road in the town of Walnut Grove, Mississippi. A history and profile of the church is offered, with an overview of its ministries and missions, leadership contacts, office hours, and an audio sermon archive. Announcements are published to the site.
http://www.pgpc.net/
Sponsored by several local businesses and organizations, the Roux is an annual event that takes place in the town of Walnut Grove, Mississippi, that may feature such activities and events as a 5K run/walk, a car show several vendors, live music, and activities for the children. Sponsors are identified, and a schedule of events is featured.
http://www.roux.ms/
The official municipal web site introduces the town’s mayor, board of aldermen, and staff, posting office hours and contacts, board meeting schedules and minutes, ordinances, and information about fair housing facilities and job opportunities. Court fines and utility bills may be paid online.
http://www.walnutgrove-ms.com/