Delta Region, MS Land for Sale

The Delta region of Mississippi is in the northwest area of the state and lies between the Mississippi and Yazoo Rivers. The region is part of an alluvial plain, not a delta, though it is named for that, which was created by regular flooding over thousands of years. The landscape is very flat and also one of the most fertile in the world. At one time, large plantations growing cotton, sugar cane, rice and tobacco covered this region, but now the agricultural economy does not support many jobs or businesses. Lumber and new crops such as soybeans are now cultivated by the largest industrial farmers. The Delta is strongly associated with the origin of blues and rock and roll music, as the mostly black sharecroppers and tenant farmers expressed their struggles with poverty and hardship through music. There are two state universities in this region, Delta State University and Mississippi Valley State University.

Yazoo County is in the southeastern part of the Mississippi Delta region. Its name comes from the Yazoo River, which comes from a Native American word meaning "River of Death." The county is the largest in Mississippi by land area. The only city in the county is Yazoo City, which is also the county seat. Yazoo City has a quaint town center with historic buildings and museums, as well as unique shops and restaurants. The oldest juke joint in Mississippi is still in operation in the town of Bentonia in the southern part of the county. Wolf Lake is 18,000 acres and offers a public boat launch and incredible fishing and ideal conditions for water-skiing or wake-boarding. Panther Swamp National Wildlife Refuge is also in Yazoo County, and features fishing, hunting, paddle boating, nature viewing, bird watching and more.

Leflore County is located in the northeastern part of the Mississippi Delta region. Greenwood is the largest city and the county seat; Itta Bena is also a city in this county. Leflore County is named for Choctaw leader Greenwood LeFlore, who signed a treaty to give up his people's land to the U.S. in exchange for land in Native American territory. The county's southern border is formed by the Yazoo River. Riverfront land was originally developed before the Civil War as cotton plantations, with the more inland areas developed in the 19th century. The area is still largely rural, and mechanization of agriculture reduced jobs available for many workers in the 20th century, causing the population to decline as people have left to seek opportunities elsewhere. The Mathews Brake Wildlife Refuge is in this county, and part of the Theodore Roosevelt National Wildlife Refuge. Mississippi Valley State University is in Leflore County, near Itta Bena.

Holmes County is in the eastern part of the Mississippi Delta region. Its western border is formed by the Yazoo River and the Big Black River forms its eastern border. The county is named in honor of David Holmes, territorial governor and the first governor of Mississippi. Lexington is the county seat Durant is another city in this county. The county boasts several wildlife refuges: Morgan Brake National Wildlife Refuge, and parts of Hillside National Wildlife Refuge, Mathews Brake National Wildlife Refuge and Theodore Roosevelt National Wildlife Refuge. Holmes County is still largely rural, with some independent farmers. The county is known for its history in the Civil Rights Movement.