Seasonal beauty and small-town traditions in Carthage
Carthage, the seat of Leake County, is a small rural city in the heart of Mississippi. First settled around 1830 and officially established in 1910, the area has community landmarks like the historic post office and the old Coca-Cola building. Carthage's many magnolia trees bloom from late spring to summer, while pinecones from loblolly pines drop between autumn and early winter. The city center contains shops, local dining and year-round public events such as the annual Christmas parade sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce.
Secondhand stores and retail options are around downtown
Most local businesses are within a mile of the intersection of Mississippi Highways 16 and 35. Carthage is home to several mom-and-pop shops in addition to national storefronts, like Walmart Supercenter. Residents also shop at various secondhand stores, like Thrifty Nickel and East Main Ole Market. There's a Piggly Wiggly grocery store off Van Buren Street. Local dining favorites are near Carthage Square in downtown, close to the city's municipal buildings. Locals frequent The Bakery and Café and Chicken Nugget, a laid-back spot for diner fare. Lou's On The Square is a newcomer to the restaurant scene, where the menu is a wide-ranging offering of breakfast, lunch and dinner options.
Available single-story homes and wooded lots
Neighborhood streets primarily include brick homes without front sidewalks. Many homes are single stories, perched on gently sloping lots. Some of the community's oldest homes are in the Carthage Historic District. These dwellings include ranch styles, bungalows and brick Tudor Revivals. Typically, move-in-ready houses cost between $100,000 and $300,000. Buyers can also find wooded lots ranging from half an acre to over 100 acres.
McMillan Park and Sasser Park offer outdoor recreation
Carthage has a handful of recreational areas, with McMillan Park serving as its primary green space. The park features playgrounds, tennis courts and a walking path. The athletic fields host events for youth sports. To the back of McMillan Park sits a fishing pond stocked with several species of gamefish. Sasser Park is downtown. Red brick paths lead to a central gazebo; the on-site amphitheater has a covered stage for public gatherings. Dr. Frank L. Matlock Park offers multiple basketball courts and open space for picnics.
Locals gather for Oktoberfest and the rodeo
The county's Oktoberfest, sponsored by the Main Street Chamber of Leake County, is a well-known regional event featuring barbecue contests, live music, and arts and crafts vendors. Businesses and residents distribute candy to children in Carthage Square during the Sweets and Treats events around Halloween. The family-friendly gathering takes place at McMillan Park. The Leake County Sheriff's Office also hosts a rodeo event at the Carthage Coliseum, which occupies a metal warehouse off Main Street.
Attending Leake Central schools
Leake Central Elementary, Leake Central Junior High and Leake Central High all receive C grades from Niche. Students at the high school can join the BETA Club to participate in community service projects like canned food drives and fundraisers. Teens can also join the Role-Playing Games Club, Tech Club and Future Farmers of America.
Commuting on Highways 16, 25 and 35
Due to a lack of public transportation in the area, Carthage is a car-dependent community. Locals travel along Highways 16, 25 and 35 to reach nearby cities. The community of Redwater, along the northern border, is a part of the larger Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians Reservation. Baptist Medical Center-Leake offers 24-hour health care services and an emergency room. The Jackson-Medgar Wiley Evers International Airport is roughly 50 miles away. Jackson's city center is about 55 miles from Carthage.
Leake County has a history of hurricanes and wildfires
The area has experienced high winds from storms and hurricanes. The county also has a history of wildfires, which may impact residents. The Leake County Emergency Management Agency provides the city with disaster mitigation and response services.
Written By
Ashley Kennedy
