Myrtle is a small town in Union County, Mississippi. The original location of the town was about two miles south of the current town site, and was named for the large number of myrtle trees that were growing in the area. Businesses began locating north of the original town site after the railroad bypassed Myrtle by two miles in 1866. The new town adopted the original name of Myrtle, while the original town site became known as Avanelle, but the Avenelle post office closed after a Myrtle post office was established, and became known as Old Myrtle. Today, Old Myrtle is within the town limits of Myrtle, and nearer to US Highway 78. The current town of Myrtle was incorporated in 1890 after it was platted by W.C. Graham, who owned the land where the train depot was located. In its prime, Myrtle was home to sixteen stores and businesses, as well as a lumber yard and planer mill, cotton gin, and train depot. While passenger train service was still offered, people would take the train for a day of shopping in Myrtle, or they might stay at the Holloway Hotel. Myrtle is located on the eastern edge of the Holly Springs National Forest, along US Highway 78, southeast of Hickory Flat and northwest of New Albany. Other nearby communities include Concord, Cornersville, Cotton Plant, Darden, Enterprise, Martintown, Poolville, and Shari. Tupelo, Mississippi is thirty-five miles southeast, and Memphis, Tennessee is about seventy-five miles northwest of Myrtle.
Recommended Resources
Founded in 1949, the Christian camp is a mission of Myrtle Baptist Church in Myrtle, Mississippi. Beliefs and practices are discussed, and its location, facilities and grounds are described and shown in photographs. The rules of the camp are laid out, including registration data and contacts.
http://www.campzion1949.org/
Featuring large heated and air conditioned kennels, as well as large outside running areas, the kennel offers dog boarding services in Myrtle, Mississippi. Directions and a map show the location of the facilities and an overview of its services and amenities, hours, and contacts are given.
http://www.coolcreekkennels.com/
Affiliated with the Churches of Camp Liberty in Pontotoc, Mississippi, the congregation meets at its facilities on County Road 54 in Myrtle, Mississippi. Its articles of faith are spelled out, and an introduction to the church’s pastor is included, along with schedules and calendars.
http://www.faithbaptistmyrtle.com/
Located on Hawk Avenue in Myrtle, Mississippi, the public school campus is part of the Union County School District. Directions, a calendar of programs and events, a lunch menu, photographs, and access to various reports, handbooks, and forms are published to the site.
http://myrtle.union.k12.ms.us/
Set in the small town of Myrtle, Mississippi, and written by Donald Dorman, this memoir relates the coming of age story of a boy who grew into adulthood in the South during the 1960s carrying a shameful secret, and finding faith in God through the support of the people of Myrtle. Photos and excerpts from portions of the book are featured here, and the book is available for purchase.
http://theniamstrong.com/
Established in 1961 when the Enterprise, Poolville, Pinedale and Macedonia schools were consolidated, the school serves public school students in grades PK-12th grade. A school calendar, student handbook, lunch menu, and a photo album are featured, along with various student, parent and staff resources.
http://westunion.union.k12.ms.us/
