Starkville

Starkville is the county seat of Oktibbeha County in northeastern Mississippi, serving as a regional center and university town. The city spreads across residential areas, commercial corridors, and the campus of Mississippi State University, with tree-lined streets connecting neighborhoods to downtown shops and restaurants.

The town was founded in 1831 as Boardtown because of local sawmills producing lumber, then renamed Starkville in 1837 to honor John Stark, a general from the Revolutionary War. The arrival of the railroad in the late 19th century and the establishment of Mississippi State University helped the community grow beyond its early logging economy.

Mississippi State University shapes the local identity through academic programs, research initiatives, and regular educational events open to the community.

The Cotton District near campus offers restaurants, cafés, and shops within walking distance, while downtown has additional stores and services spread across several blocks. The area is easy to explore on foot, especially during evenings and weekends when students and residents fill the dining and entertainment spots.

The Herman Mound archaeological site a few miles outside town preserves traces of settlements more than 2,100 years old. Excavations have uncovered pottery and tools from communities that lived in the area long before European settlers arrived.

Location: Oktibbeha County

Inception: 1835

Elevation above the sea: 102 m

Website: http://cityofstarkville.org

GPS coordinates: 33.46222,-88.81972

Latest update: December 13, 2025 01:34