January 1, 2000CITY OF KOSCIUSKO, MISSISSIPPI
Kosciusko the town, like the man for whom it was named (minus the z) is distinctive.
Located on the beautiful Natchez Trace Parkway in the center of Mississippi, the town was once a camp site for those who made the long journey from Natchez to Nashville. Kosciusko, first known as Red Bud Springs, saw the Indian, the explorers and the hunter, followed by the Kentucky boatmen, circuit-riding preachers, soldiers, agents of the government and settlers...all who traveled the Natchez Trace. A blacksmith shop and a tavern were the first business establishments. The first state senator to represent the county when it was organized in 1833 suggested the county name of Attala, legendary Indian princess, and in due time the county seat was established. The settlement's Board of Police toyed with a half-a dozen names in its early history before it finally and permanently settled on the name of the great Polish patriot.
The honor of naming the settlement was given to William D. Dodd, first representative of Attala County in the State Legislature. William Dodd's grandfather had served in the Revolutionary War with Tadeusz Kosciuszko under Nathaniel Green, and Dodd had inherited his grandfather's intense admiration for this Polish hero. He suggested the name of "Kosciusko" to the legislature, inadvertently omitting the "z", and thus it was so named.
Time does not cease... change does not end... and so the story of Kosciusko grows from the primitive to the progressive community which approximately 7,000 people call home. "Recognized as the metropolis of Central Mississippi, owing to the culture and prominence of so many of her citizens during the history of the town, Kosciusko is recognized as the Athens of the State of Mississippi. No town, old or young, big or little, has furnished so many distinguished men in law, politics, science and theology as Kosciusko. A history of her Illustrious men would make a book itself. *Kosciusko, known as "The Bee-hive of the Hills", serves as an industrial and retail trade center for Central Mississippi.
Kosciusko-Attala's residential areas are among the most pleasant found anywhere. Attractive older homes serve as reminders of the past while newer, more modern ones keep in touch with the present.
Kosciusko is home of the Kosciusko Heritage Foundation Museum and Information Center.
Kosciusko, famous for its friendly people, is the location of the annual Natchez Trace Festival, Central Mississippi Fair, and other cooperative community events.
The hand of friendship is extended to all who stop in Kosciusko for a visit or choose to become one of its citizens.
*"Memoirs of Mississippi", Biographical and Historical, Vol. 1, Page 233.
(Information for Kosciusko/Attala Chamber of Commerce)
Kosciusko was incorporated in 1836. The area was first settled around Red Bud springs, now dry. The area was also known as Peking, Paris, and Parrish. These names were given to the area by a businessman attempting to lure persons to the area so they would frequent his business on the Natchez Trace. These attempts failed and the area was named for the Polish hero.
January 1, 2000
