Sunflower County, Mississippi

Sunflower County was created in 1844. The land mass encompassed most of Sunflower and Leflore Counties as we know them today. The first seat of government was Clayton, located near Fort Pemberton. Later the county seat was moved to McNutt, also in present-day Leflore County. When Sunflower and Leflore counties were separated in 1871, the new county seat for Sunflower County was moved to Johnsonville. This village was located where the north end of Mound Bayou empties into the Sunflower River. In 1882 the county seat was moved to Eureka, which was later renamed Indianola.Hemphill, Marie M. (1980). Fevers, Floods and Faith — A History of Sunflower County Mississippi, 1844–1976. Boyer Cemetery, located in Boyer, goes back to the early days of Sunflower County.{{Citation needed|date=February 2012}}

After the U.S. Civil War, across several decades African Americans migrated to Sunflower County to work in the Mississippi Delta. In 1870, 3,243 black people lived in Sunflower County. This increased to 12,070 in 1900, making up 75% of the residents in Sunflower County. Between 1900 and 1920, the black population almost tripled.Moye, J. Todd. Let the People Decide: Black Freedom and White Resistance Movements in Sunflower County, Mississippi, 1945-1986. University of North Carolina Press, November 29, 2004. [https://books.google.com/books?id=KZ4IoG1nQuUC&dq=Parchman+%22middle+of+nowhere%22&pg=PA28 28]. Retrieved from Google Books on February 26, 2012; {{ISBN|0-8078-5561-8}}, {{ISBN|978-0-8078-5561-4}}

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of {{convert|707|sqmi}}, of which {{convert|698|sqmi}} is land and {{convert|9.2|sqmi}} (1.3%) is water.{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov/geo/maps-data/data/docs/gazetteer/counties_list_28.txt|publisher=United States Census Bureau|access-date=November 7, 2014|date=August 22, 2012|title=2010 Census Gazetteer Files|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130928074019/http://www.census.gov/geo/maps-data/data/docs/gazetteer/counties_list_28.txt|archive-date=September 28, 2013}} Sunflower County is the longest county in Mississippi. The traveling distance from the southern boundary at Caile to its northern boundary at Rome is approximately 71 miles.

The center of the county is about {{convert|30|mi|km}} east of the Mississippi River, about {{convert|40|mi|km}} west of the hill section of Mississippi, {{convert|100|mi|km}} north of Jackson, and about {{convert|100|mi|km}} south of Memphis, Tennessee."[http://www.sunflower.k12.ms.us/demograp.html Demographics for Sunflower County Schools] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120309091451/http://www.sunflower.k12.ms.us/demograp.html |date=2012-03-09 }}." Sunflower County School District. Retrieved on August 17, 2010.

• Coahoma County (north)
• Tallahatchie County (northeast)
• Leflore County (east)
• Humphreys County (south)
• Washington County (southwest)
• Bolivar County (northwest)

{{US Census population

|1850= 1102

|1860= 5019

|1870= 5015

|1880= 4661

|1890= 9384

|1900= 16084

|1910= 28787

|1920= 46374

|1930= 66364

|1940= 61007

|1950= 56031

|1960= 45750

|1970= 37047

|1980= 34844

|1990= 32867

|2000= 34369

|2010= 29450

|2020= 25971

|estyear=2023

|estimate=24468

|estref={{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/popest/data/tables.html|title=Annual Estimates of the Resident Population for Counties: April 1, 2020 to July 1, 2023|publisher=United States Census Bureau|access-date=April 5, 2024}}

|align-fn=center

|footnote=U.S. Decennial Census{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/decennial-census.html|title=U.S. Decennial Census|publisher=United States Census Bureau|access-date=November 7, 2014}}
1790-1960{{cite web|url=http://mapserver.lib.virginia.edu|title=Historical Census Browser|publisher=University of Virginia Library|access-date=November 7, 2014}} 1900-1990{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov/population/cencounts/ms190090.txt|title=Population of Counties by Decennial Census: 1900 to 1990|publisher=United States Census Bureau|access-date=November 7, 2014}}
1990-2000{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov/population/www/cen2000/briefs/phc-t4/tables/tab02.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100327165705/http://www.census.gov/population/www/cen2000/briefs/phc-t4/tables/tab02.pdf |archive-date=March 27, 2010 |url-status=live|title=Census 2000 PHC-T-4. Ranking Tables for Counties: 1990 and 2000|publisher=United States Census Bureau|access-date=November 7, 2014}} 2010-2013{{cite web|title=State & County QuickFacts|url=http://quickfacts.census.gov/qfd/states/28/28133.html|publisher=United States Census Bureau|access-date=September 5, 2013|archive-date=June 7, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110607052432/http://quickfacts.census.gov/qfd/states/28/28133.html|url-status=dead}}

}}

The county reached its peak population in 1930. After that, population declined from 1940 to 1990. There was considerable migration out of the rural county, especially as mechanization reduced the need for farm labor. Both whites and blacks left the county. Many African Americans migrated north or west to industrial cities to escape the social oppression and violence of Jim Crow, especially moving in the Great Migration during and after World War II, when the defense industry on the West Coast attracted many.

As of the 2020 United States census, there were 25,971 people, 8,322 households, and 5,292 families residing in the county.

As of the 2010 United States Census, there were 29,450 people living in the county. 72.9% were black or African American, 25.4% white, 0.3% Asian, 0.2% Native American, 0.6% of some other race and 0.5% of two or more races. 1.4% were Hispanic or Latino (of any race).

As of the census{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov|publisher=United States Census Bureau|access-date=January 31, 2008|title=U.S. Census website}} of 2000, there were 34,369 people, 9,637 households, and 7,314 families living in the county. The population density was {{convert|50|/mi2|/km2|disp=preunit|people |people|}}. There were 10,338 housing units at an average density of {{convert|15|/mi2|/km2|disp=preunit|units |units|}}. The racial makeup of the county was 69.86% Black or African American, 28.88% White, 0.09% Native American, 0.40% Asian, 0.48% from other races, and 0.28% from two or more races. 1.30% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.

As of the census of 1990, there were 32,341 people. The racial makeup of the county was 71.89% Black or African American, 26.40% White or European American, 0.12% Native American, 0.60% Asian, 0.50% from other races, and 0.28% from two or more races. 1.31% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.

As of the census of 1980, there were 30,402 people. The racial makeup of the county was 73.88% Black or African American, 24.45% White or European American, 0.15% Native American, 0.80% Asian, 0.52% from other races, and 0.28% from two or more races. 1.32% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.

As of the census of 2000, there were 9,637 households, out of which 38.40% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 42.30% were married couples living together, 28.40% had a female householder with no husband present, and 24.10% were non-families. 21.20% of all households were made up of individuals, and 9.70% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 3.01 and the average family size was 3.50.

In the county, the population was spread out, with 27.90% under the age of 18, 14.00% from 18 to 24, 30.30% from 25 to 44, 18.10% from 45 to 64, and 9.70% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 30 years. For every 100 females there were 115.90 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 120.00 males.

The median income for a household in the county was $24,970, and the median income for a family was $29,144. Males had a median income of $26,208 versus $19,145 for females. The per capita income for the county was $11,365. About 24.60% of families and 30.00% of the population were below the poverty line, including 39.50% of those under age 18 and 24.10% of those age 65 or over.

Sunflower County has the ninth-lowest per capita income in Mississippi and the 72nd-lowest in the United States.

File:ParchmanGateNewPhoto.JPG]]

The Mississippi Department of Corrections (MDOC) is responsible for the state's correctional services, probation services, and parole services. MDOC operates the Mississippi State Penitentiary (MSP; colloquially known as 'Parchman Farm') in the unincorporated community of Parchman in Sunflower County and a probation and parole office in the Courthouse Annex in Indianola."[http://www.mdoc.state.ms.us/MDOCmap/support/sunflower.htm Sunflower County]." Mississippi Department of Corrections. Retrieved on September 14, 2010.

MSP, a prison for men,"[http://www.mdoc.state.ms.us/division_of_institutions%20State%20Prisons.htm State Prisons] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20021206092421/http://www.mdoc.state.ms.us/division_of_institutions%20State%20Prisons.htm |date=2002-12-06 }}." Mississippi Department of Corrections. Retrieved on May 21, 2010."[http://www.mdoc.state.ms.us/mdoc%20quick%20reference.htm MDOC QUICK REFERENCE]." Mississippi Department of Corrections. Retrieved on May 21, 2010. is the location of the State of Mississippi male death row and the State of Mississippi execution chamber."[http://www.mdoc.state.ms.us/division_of_institutions%20State%20Prisons.htm Division of Institutions State Prisons] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20021206092421/http://www.mdoc.state.ms.us/division_of_institutions%20State%20Prisons.htm |date=2002-12-06 }}." Mississippi Department of Corrections. April 21, 2010. Retrieved on May 21, 2010.Martin, Nathan. "{{usurped|1=[https://archive.today/20110713193411/http://leadercall.com/homepage/x1593265578/Wilcher-gets-reprieve?keyword=leadpicturestory Wilcher gets reprieve]}}." Laurel Leader-Call. July 12, 2006. Retrieved on July 21, 2010. Around the time of MSP's opening in 1901, Sunflower County residents objected to having executions performed at MSP because they feared that Sunflower County would be stigmatized as a "death county". Therefore, the State of Mississippi originally performed executions of condemned criminals in their counties of conviction. By the 1950s residents of Sunflower County were still opposed to the concept of housing the execution chamber at MSP. In September 1954, Governor Hugh White called for a special session of the Mississippi Legislature to discuss the application of the death penalty.Cabana, Donald A. "[http://mshistory.k12.ms.us/articles/84/history-of-capital-punishment-in-mississippi-an-overview The History of Capital Punishment in Mississippi: An Overview] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101007141542/http://mshistory.k12.ms.us/articles/84/history-of-capital-punishment-in-mississippi-an-overview |date=2010-10-07 }}." Mississippi History Now. Mississippi Historical Society. Retrieved on August 16, 2010. During that year, an execution chamber was installed at MSP."[http://www.mdoc.state.ms.us/mississippi_and_the_death_penalt.htm Mississippi and the Death Penalty] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100811065255/http://www.mdoc.state.ms.us/mississippi_and_the_death_penalt.htm |date=2010-08-11 }}." Mississippi Department of Corrections. Retrieved on August 12, 2010.

Sunflower County mirrors other Mississippi Delta counties in that it is a traditional Democratic stronghold. It has not supported a Republican presidential candidate since 1984.

{{PresHead|place=Sunflower County, Mississippi|whig=no|source1={{Cite web|url=http://uselectionatlas.org/RESULTS|title=Dave Leip's Atlas of U.S. Presidential Elections|last=Leip|first=David|website=uselectionatlas.org|access-date=March 4, 2018}}}}

{{PresRow|2024|Democratic|2,515|5,312|49|Mississippi}}

{{PresRow|2020|Democratic|2,799|6,781|101|Mississippi}}

{{PresRow|2016|Democratic|2,794|6,725|79|Mississippi}}

{{PresRow|2012|Democratic|2,929|8,199|100|Mississippi}}

{{PresRow|2008|Democratic|3,245|7,838|110|Mississippi}}

{{PresRow|2004|Democratic|3,534|6,359|122|Mississippi}}

{{PresRow|2000|Democratic|3,369|4,981|65|Mississippi}}

{{PresRow|1996|Democratic|2,926|4,960|339|Mississippi}}

{{PresRow|1992|Democratic|3,726|5,050|615|Mississippi}}

{{PresRow|1988|Democratic|4,362|4,898|29|Mississippi}}

{{PresRow|1984|Republican|5,178|4,913|20|Mississippi}}

{{PresRow|1980|Democratic|3,728|5,035|164|Mississippi}}

{{PresRow|1976|Democratic|3,456|4,322|246|Mississippi}}

{{PresRow|1972|Republican|5,389|1,874|92|Mississippi}}

{{PresRow|1968|American Independent|1,036|2,602|3,932|Mississippi}}

{{PresRow|1964|Republican|4,127|251|0|Mississippi}}

{{PresRow|1960|Dixiecrat|1,177|1,033|1,241|Mississippi}}

{{PresRow|1956|Democratic|520|1,585|1,015|Mississippi}}

{{PresRow|1952|Democratic|2,007|2,049|0|Mississippi}}

{{PresRow|1948|Dixiecrat|55|136|2,482|Mississippi}}

{{PresRow|1944|Democratic|155|2,799|0|Mississippi}}

{{PresRow|1940|Democratic|71|3,071|0|Mississippi}}

{{PresRow|1936|Democratic|21|2,508|0|Mississippi}}

{{PresRow|1932|Democratic|34|2,411|5|Mississippi}}

{{PresRow|1928|Democratic|88|2,676|0|Mississippi}}

{{PresRow|1924|Democratic|76|1,694|0|Mississippi}}

{{PresRow|1920|Democratic|47|1,060|9|Mississippi}}

{{PresRow|1916|Democratic|20|879|2|Mississippi}}

{{PresFoot|1912|Democratic|9|462|29|Mississippi}}

In December 2011, Sunflower County's unemployment rate was 16.2%. The Mississippi statewide rate was 9.9%, and the U.S. overall unemployment rate was 8.3%.[http://blog.gulflive.com/mississippi-press-news/2012/02/senate_votes_to_merge_3_sunflo.html Senate votes to merge 3 Sunflower school districts]." Associated Press at gulflive.com, Alabama Live LLC. Wednesday February 8, 2012. Retrieved March 25, 2012.

{{As of|2012}} it was one of the poorest counties in the United States.Wright, Chance. "[http://www.bolivarcom.com/view/full_story/18309176/article-Bryant-signs-school-merger Bryant signs school merger] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140602201114/http://www.bolivarcom.com/view/full_story/18309176/article-Bryant-signs-school-merger |date=2014-06-02 }}", The Bolivar Commercial. Retrieved June 13, 2012.

File:DockerFarms2005.jpg]]

• 20px U.S. Highway 49W
• 20px U.S. Highway 82
• 20px Mississippi Highway 3
• 20px Mississippi Highway 8
• 20px Mississippi Highway 32

Two airports are located in unincorporated Sunflower County. Indianola Municipal Airport, near Indianola,{{FAA-airport|ID=IDL}} - Retrieved on September 23, 2010. is operated by the city."[http://www.wdam.com/Global/story.asp?S=12132644 Poplarville, Hattiesburg among airports receiving grants] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120228204120/http://www.wdam.com/Global/story.asp?S=12132644 |date=2012-02-28 }}." WDAM. March 12, 2010. Retrieved on September 23, 2010. Ruleville-Drew Airport, between Drew and Ruleville,{{FAA-airport|ID=M37}} - Retrieved on September 23, 2010. is jointly operated by the two cities.

Mississippi Delta Community College has a main campus in Moorhead and other locations.

{{See also|Education segregation in the Mississippi Delta}}

• Public School Districts"[http://www.mde.k12.ms.us/districts/Sunflwr.htm Sunflower County] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110617214544/http://www.mde.k12.ms.us/Districts/Sunflwr.htm |date=2011-06-17 }}." Mississippi Department of Education. Retrieved on July 20, 2010.
• Sunflower County Consolidated School District - The district is the only school district in Sunflower County.{{cite web|url=https://www2.census.gov/geo/maps/DC2020/PL20/st28_ms/schooldistrict_maps/c28133_sunflower/DC20SD_C28133.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210609212019/https://www2.census.gov/geo/maps/DC2020/PL20/st28_ms/schooldistrict_maps/c28133_sunflower/DC20SD_C28133.pdf |archive-date=June 9, 2021 |url-status=live|title=2020 CENSUS - SCHOOL DISTRICT REFERENCE MAP: Sunflower County, MS|publisher=U.S. Census Bureau|accessdate=July 18, 2022}} - [https://www2.census.gov/geo/maps/DC2020/PL20/st28_ms/schooldistrict_maps/c28133_sunflower/DC20SD_C28133_SD2MS.txt Text list] - In 2020 there was one school district
• Former districts: Drew School District, Indianola School District, Sunflower County School District2010 Map: {{cite web|url=https://www2.census.gov/geo/maps/dc10map/sch_dist/st28_ms/c28133_sunflower/DC10SD_C28133_001.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121019145210/http://www2.census.gov/geo/maps/dc10map/sch_dist/st28_ms/c28133_sunflower/DC10SD_C28133_001.pdf |archive-date=October 19, 2012 |url-status=live|title=SCHOOL DISTRICT REFERENCE MAP (2010 CENSUS): Sunflower County, MS|publisher=U.S. Census Bureau|accessdate=July 18, 2022}} - [https://www2.census.gov/geo/maps/dc10map/sch_dist/st28_ms/c28133_sunflower/DC10SD_C28133_SD2MS.txt Text list] - In 2010, there were three school districts

Between 2010 and 2012, the State of Mississippi had taken over all three Sunflower County school districts and put them under the conservatorship of the Mississippi Department of Education,Wright, Chance. "[http://www.bolivarcom.com/view/full_story/17471289/article-Senate-passes-school-merger?instance=most_recommended Senate passes school merger] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140602201120/http://www.bolivarcom.com/view/full_story/17471289/article-Senate-passes-school-merger?instance=most_recommended |date=2014-06-02 }}." Bolivar Commercial. February 2012. Retrieved on March 25, 2012. due to academic and financial reasons. In February 2012, the Mississippi Senate voted 43–4 to pass Senate Bill 2330, to consolidate the three school districts into one school district. The bill went to the Mississippi House of Representatives.

The Greenwood Commonwealth said that the county was an "easy target" for school merging due to the difficulties in all three school districts, and that the scenario "doesn't leave them with much leverage to argue in favor of the status quo. And because none of them does well, none of them can object to assuming someone else's headaches. All three are beset with them.""[http://picayuneitem.com/editorials/x1118844428/Legislature-must-initiate-school-district-consolidation/print Legislature must initiate school district consolidation]", The Greenwood Commonwealth at The Picayune Item. February 17, 2012. Retrieved March 25, 2012. Later that month, the State Board of Education approved the consolidation of the Drew School District and the Sunflower County School District, and if Senate Bill 2330 is approved, Indianola School District will be added."School consolidation approved", Clarion Ledger, February 17, 2012. Retrieved March 26, 2012.

In May 2012 Governor of Mississippi Phil Bryant signed the bill into law, requiring all three districts to consolidate. SB2330 stipulates that if a county has three school districts all under conservatorship by the Mississippi Department of Education will have them consolidated into one school district serving the entire county.Doyle, Rory. "[http://www.bolivarcom.com/view/full_story/19593268/article-Drew--Ruleville-prepare-to-merge?instance=main_article Drew, Ruleville prepare to merge] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140602201134/http://www.bolivarcom.com/view/full_story/19593268/article-Drew--Ruleville-prepare-to-merge?instance=main_article |date=2014-06-02 }}." Bolivar Commercial. Retrieved on August 30, 2012. As of July 1, 2012, the Drew School District was consolidated with the Sunflower County School District.{{citation needed|date=March 2024}}

File:Central Delta Academy, Inverness, MS.jpg]]

• Private School
• Indianola Academy (Indianola)
• North Sunflower Academy (Unincorporated area)"[http://www.northsunfloweracademy.com/ Home]." North Sunflower Academy. Retrieved on August 10, 2010.
• Restoration Ministries Christian Academy

The Central Delta Academy in Inverness closed on May 21, 2010."[http://www.centraldeltaacademy.org/page/page/4826505.htm Home] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090905152355/http://www.centraldeltaacademy.org/page/page/4826505.htm |date=2009-09-05 }}." Central Delta Academy. Retrieved August 17, 2010.

Three of the private schools (Indianola Academy, North Sunflower, and Central Delta) originated as segregation academies.Moye, J. Todd. Let the People Decide: Black Freedom and White Resistance Movements in Sunflower County, Mississippi, 1945-1986. UNC Press Books, 2004. [https://books.google.com/books?id=KZ4IoG1nQuUC&dq=%22Though+plans+for+Indianola+Academy+had+long%22&pg=PA179 179]. Retrieved from Google Books on March 2, 2011. {{ISBN|0-8078-5561-8}}, {{ISBN|978-0-8078-5561-4}}Moye, J. Todd. Let the People Decide: Black Freedom and White Resistance Movements in Sunflower County, Mississippi, 1945-1986. UNC Press Books, 2004. [https://books.google.com/books?id=KZ4IoG1nQuUC&dq=%22Central+Delta+Academy%22&pg=PA243 243]. Retrieved from Google Books on March 2, 2011. "Sunflower County's two other segregation academies— North Sunflower Academy, between Drew and Ruleville, and Central Delta Academy in Inverness— both sprouted in a similar fashion." {{ISBN|0-8078-5561-8}}, {{ISBN|978-0-8078-5561-4}}

Pillow Academy in unincorporated Leflore County, near Greenwood, enrolls some students from Sunflower County."[http://www.pillowacademy.com/profile.htm Profile of Pillow Academy 2010-2011] {{webarchive|url=http://webarchive.loc.gov/all/20011201014229/http://www.pillowacademy.com/profile.htm |date=2001-12-01 }}." Pillow Academy. Retrieved on March 25, 2012. It originally was a segregation academy.{{cite magazine | url = http://www.jacksonfreepress.com/index.php/site/comments/cearas_season_111809/ | magazine = Jackson Free Press | title = Ceara's Season | author = Lynch, Adam | date = November 18, 2009 | access-date = August 19, 2011}}

The Sunflower County Library provides library services. The administration is in Indianola, and the system operates libraries in Drew, Indianola, Inverness, Moorhead, and Ruleville."[http://www.sunflower.lib.ms.us/sunflower/directory.asp Sunflower County Library Directory] {{Webarchive|url=https://archive.today/20121224105436/http://www.sunflower.lib.ms.us/sunflower/directory.asp |date=December 24, 2012 }}." Sunflower County Library. Retrieved July 21, 2010.

The Enterprise-Tocsin, a newspaper based out of Indianola, is distributed throughout Sunflower County."[http://enterprise-tocsin.com/pages/about_us about us] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120312123545/http://www.enterprise-tocsin.com/pages/about_us |date=2012-03-12 }}." The Enterprise-Tocsin. Retrieved on March 4, 2011. "Our office is located at 114 Main St, Indianola." The Bolivar Commercial is also distributed in Sunflower County."[http://d2uh5w9wm14i0w.cloudfront.net/sites/1043/assets/bc_masthead1.gif bc_masthead1.gif The Bolivar Commercial website] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304080241/http://d2uh5w9wm14i0w.cloudfront.net/sites/1043/assets/bc_masthead1.gif |date=March 4, 2016 }}; retrieved April 15, 2012.

J. Todd Moye, author of Let the People Decide: Black Freedom and White Resistance Movements in Sunflower County, Mississippi, 1945-1986, said "Sunflower County has always been overwhelmingly rural." At the end of the 20th century, the county had just four "main towns of any size".

• Indianola (county seat)
• Drew
• Moorhead
• Ruleville
• Shaw (mostly in Bolivar County){{cite web|url=https://www2.census.gov/geo/maps/DC2020/DC20BLK/st28_ms/place/p2867000_shaw/DC20BLK_P2867000.pdf|title=2020 CENSUS - CENSUS BLOCK MAP: Shaw city, MS|publisher=U.S. Census Bureau|access-date=2024-08-27}}

• Doddsville
• Inverness
• Sunflower

{{div col|colwidth=18em}}

• Baird
• Baltzer
• Blaine
• Boyer
• Caile
• Dockery
• Fairview
• Heathman
• Holly Ridge
• Kinlock
• Linn
• Lombardy
• Minot
• Mississippi State Penitentiary (Parchman)
• Rome
• Roundaway
• Steiner
• Stephenville

{{div col end}}

• Cottondale
• Inwood
• Promised Land

• Jerry Butler (singer & Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee, born 1939)
• Willie Best (actor, 1916–1962)
• Craig Claiborne (New York Times food editor, 1920-2000)
• James Eastland (U.S. Senator from Mississippi, 1904–1986)
• C. L. Franklin, father of Aretha Franklin (minister, civil rights activist, 1915–1984)
• Fannie Lou Hamer (civil rights activist, 1917–1977)Barnwell, p. [https://books.google.com/books?id=KpV3A6jYTVoC&dq=%22In+her+biography+of+Fannie+Lou+Hamer%2C+Kay+Mills%22&pg=PA225 225].
• B.B. King (bluesman, 1925–2015)
• Sam Lacey (retired NBA basketball player, 1948–present)
• Archie Manning (NFL quarterback, 1971–1984)
• Charlie Patton (bluesman, 1891–1934)
• Johnny Russell (country singer)

{{Portal|Mississippi}}

• Mississippi Delta
• National Register of Historic Places listings in Sunflower County, Mississippi

;Specific

{{Reflist|30em}}

;General

• Excerpt of: Mills, Kay This Little Light of Mine. In: Barnwell, Marion (editor) A Place Called Mississippi: Collected Narratives. University Press of Mississippi, 1997. {{ISBN|1617033391}}, 9781617033391.

• {{usurped|1=[https://web.archive.org/web/20130724184203/http://www.ms.gov/content/Pages/LocalGov.aspx?county=Sunflower Sunflower County]}} - State of Mississippi
• [http://www.sunflower.lib.ms.us/sunflower/index.html Sunflower County Library]

{{Geographic location

|Centre = Sunflower County, Mississippi

|North = Coahoma County

|Northeast = Tallahatchie County

|East = Leflore County

|Southeast =

|South = Humphreys County

|Southwest = Washington County

|West =

|Northwest = Bolivar County

}}

{{Sunflower County, Mississippi}}

{{Mississippi}}

{{Authority control}}

{{Coord|33.61|-90.60|display=title|type:adm2nd_region:US-MS_source:UScensus1990}}

Category:Mississippi counties

Category:1844 establishments in Mississippi

Category:Populated places established in 1844

Category:Black Belt (U.S. region)

Category:Majority-minority counties in Mississippi