Sharkey County

Sharkey County is an administrative division in the Mississippi Delta region covering fertile farmland where corn, soybeans, rice, and cotton are grown on a large scale. The landscape consists primarily of open fields and agricultural operations that define the character of the area.

The county was established in 1876 and named after William L. Sharkey, who served as provisional governor of Mississippi during the Reconstruction period following the Civil War. This naming reflects the county's connection to a transformative era in American history.

The annual Great Delta Bear Affair festival in October celebrates a local hunting story tied to President Theodore Roosevelt's 1902 expedition in the area. This community gathering connects residents to a surprising piece of American popular culture history.

Visitors can find county services centered in Rolling Fork, the main administrative hub of the area. The region is best explored by car due to the dispersed nature of settlements across the flat Delta landscape.

The Delta National Forest within the county features man-made reservoirs designed specifically for waterfowl habitat and recreation opportunities. The Blue Lake Recreational Area stands out as a natural retreat in an otherwise agricultural landscape.

GPS coordinates: 32.87426,-90.84783

Latest update: December 8, 2025 13:41