Education in Mississippi: A Brief History from 1820 to the Creation of the State's First Statewide Public Education System

Authors

Dennis J. Mitchell

Publication Date

Spring 2024

Abstract

This essay surveys education in Mississippi from its origins to the creation of the state's first statewide public education system during "Radical" Reconstruction. The Choctaws and Chickasaws had developed methods of educating youngsters in their traditional culture; however, faced with the invasion of their homelands by Africans and Europeans, they began to embrace "white" missionary schools in order to learn the skills needed to survive in the new economy imposed by the settlers. The European-derived invaders consisted of two classes: the planters and the yeomen (poor).

Recommended Citation

Mitchell, Dennis J. (2024) "Education in Mississippi: A Brief History from 1820 to the Creation of the State's First Statewide Public Education System," Mississippi College Law Review: Vol. 36: Iss. 2, Article 9.
Available at: https://dc.law.mc.edu/lawreview/vol36/iss2/9