Discover the Smallest Town in Mississippi – Everyone Could Fit in a City Bus

Mississippi is a beautiful state in the Southeastern United States. According to the United States Census Bureau, Mississippi has a population of 2,940,057, making it the 35th-most populous state. The largest city in Mississippi by population is Jackson, with a population of 145,995. According to Federal Reserve Economic Data (FRED), the entire Jackson metropolitan statistical area has a population of 583,197. The smallest town in Mississippi, on the other hand, is over 3,000 times smaller than the city of Jackson. It is so small that all residents could fit in a city bus! This article explores the smallest town in Mississippi, including its history and nearby wildlife.

The Smallest Town in Mississippi

The smallest town in Mississippi is the village of Satartia in Yazoo County. According to the United States Census Bureau, Satartia’s population is just 41. Satartia is on the Yazoo River. The largest nearby city is Yazoo City, the county seat, which is approximately 17 miles northeast of Satartia. Additionally, the state capital of Jackson is just 43 miles southeast of Satartia.

Satartia is the only town in Mississippi with a population under 50. However, there are other towns that come close. Mississippi is home to five other towns with populations under 100. In order from smallest to largest, these are Learned in Hinds County, Doddsville in Sunflower County, Gattman in Monroe County, Sylvarena in Smith County, and Tillatoba in Yalobusha County. The table below includes the populations of the six smallest towns in Mississippi, beginning with Satartia.

The History of Satartia

Yazoo County, home of the smallest town in Mississippi, is on the ancestral lands of the Choctaw people. Like many places in Mississippi, Satartia is an indigenous combination of two Choctaw words: isito, which means “pumpkins”, and asha, which means “are there”. This name refers to the native gourds of the area.

The United States acquired the land that became Yazoo County from the Choctaw people in 1820 with the Treaty of Doak’s Stand. Then, in 1823, the Mississippi state legislature established Yazoo County. Satartia became a settler port town where cotton was shipped down the Yazoo River. Later, during the Civil War, Satartia was captured by Ulysses S. Grant, the Commanding General of the Union Army.

In February 2020, a nearby pressurized pipeline ruptured, leaking massive amounts of liquid carbon dioxide and hydrogen sulfide. Exposure to these toxic chemicals can cause respiratory and cognitive symptoms, such as asthma and brain fog. A total of 250 people from Satartia and the surrounding area were evacuated. Of these 250 people, 45 were hospitalized. Fortunately, everyone survived the accident. Denbury Resources, the company that owns the pipeline, paid a $2.8 million penalty to the government for the accident. Some residents of Satartia are suing Denbury Resources for failing to ensure the safety of the pipeline, which led to tragic health impacts on nearby residents.

Wildlife Near Satartia

Satartia is on the beautiful Yazoo River, just south of the Panther Swamp National Wildlife Refuge. This massive refuge is 38,697 acres and is home to many interesting animals. Let’s explore some of the amazing wildlife near the smallest town in Mississippi.

American Alligator (Alligator mississippiensis)

American alligators are native to the Southeastern United States. These reptiles are absolutely massive, measuring up to 15 feet long and weighing around 500 pounds. There are approximately 32,000-38,000 alligators living in Mississippi.

Roseate Spoonbill (Platalea ajaja)

Roseate spoonbills are native to southern North America and South America. Interestingly, roseate spoonbills are the only spoonbill species that live in the western hemisphere. Roseate spoonbills are wading birds in the family Threskiornithidae, which includes ibises and other spoonbill species. Their bright pink coloring comes from pigments in their diet. These pigments come from crustaceans and other small animals that the roseate spoonbill eats. This is the same reason why flamingos are pink!

Swamp Rabbit (Sylvilagus aquaticus)

Swamp rabbits are native to the southern United States. These unique rabbits thrive in wet environments. They are fantastic swimmers and will often jump in water to avoid predators. Additionally, these rabbits evade predators by freezing and blending in with their surroundings. Swamp rabbits, like all rabbits, are herbivores. They forage at dusk and night to avoid predators such as the American alligator.

Where Is the Smallest Town in Mississippi Located on a Map?

Satartia is located in Yazoo County on the east bank of the Yazoo River. It is approximately 43 miles northwest of Jackson, the capital of Mississippi.

The photo featured at the top of this post is © EyeTravel/Shutterstock.com