Sumter County

More about the book

The history of Sumter County, founded in 1832 on land from the Choctaw Indians, highlights the transformation of its economy from farming to cattle and timber due to challenges like the boll weevil. The county attracts hunters every November, drawn by its abundant deer population. Additionally, in the mid-20th century, ethnomusicologists, including the Lomax brothers, documented the rich heritage of African American folk music in the area, capturing the voices of local artists such as Vera Hall and Dock Reed.