History of Winstonville, Mississippi
Early Settlements and Naming Winstonville, Mississippi, a small historically African American village, has a unique history tied to land ownership, community building, and the complexities of rural life in the Mississippi Delta. The town, originally settled in 1908 as the site of a sawmill, was named in honor of Rev. Mike H. Winston, an African American man who owned much of the land. Winston sold several lots with the help of a local salesman named Chambers, and by 1910, when the post office was established, it was named Chambers after the salesman.
As a railway settlement on the Yazoo and Mississippi Valley Railroad (Y&MV), the area also became known as Wyandotte when a railway station was constructed in 1931. Over time, the town was referred to by all three names: Winstonville, Chambers, and Wyandotte. However, residents and “old timers” continued to use Winstonville, and in 1925, the post office officially reclaimed the name Winstonville.
Agricultural and Economic Roots The economy of Winstonville, like much of Bolivar County, has long been tied to agriculture, with cotton being the dominant crop. The fertile soil of the Mississippi Delta supported extensive cotton farming, and many of Winstonville’s residents worked as sharecroppers or tenant farmers. Despite the challenges of sharecropping and systemic racism, African American families in the area built strong communities around the land they worked, with churches, schools, and social institutions serving as the backbone of Winstonville’s social and economic life.
Population Trends and Demographic Shifts Winstonville’s population has fluctuated over the decades, reflecting broader economic and social changes in the Mississippi Delta. According to U.S. Census data:
- In 1930, Winstonville had 142 residents.
- By 1950, the population had more than doubled to 322 residents, and continued to rise through the 1960s, peaking at 536 residents in 1970.
- Since then, Winstonville has experienced a steady decline, reaching 153 residents by 2020.
This demographic shift mirrors the general outmigration of younger people from rural Delta towns in search of better economic opportunities and the mechanization of agriculture, which reduced the need for labor.
Civil Rights and Social Change Winstonville was deeply affected by the struggles of the Civil Rights Movement in the 1950s and 1960s. Although it remained a small community, it was part of the larger Delta region, a central battleground for civil rights activism. Residents of Winstonville and surrounding areas were inspired by leaders like Fannie Lou Hamer, who fought for voting rights and economic justice. The community’s history is tied to the broader African American struggle for equality and autonomy in the face of systemic oppression.
Contemporary Challenges and Opportunities Today, Winstonville faces many of the same challenges as other rural Delta towns: economic hardship, a declining population, and limited access to resources. However, it remains a close-knit community where history and resilience are central to its identity. There are ongoing efforts to preserve Winstonville’s cultural heritage and to promote economic development, possibly through tourism and historical recognition of its unique African American history.
The story of Winstonville reflects resilience, determination, and a legacy of community-building that has persevered despite adversity. As the town continues to navigate modern challenges, its history serves as both a testament to its strength and a foundation for future growth.