History:

Pearl River County was officially organized by an act of the Legislature in February, 1890, on lands taken from Marion and Hancock Counties.The land area of the new county had earlier been a part of the short-lived Pearl County. Pearl County was officially formed in 1872. The county courthouse was located in a Masonic building which burned not long after the county was formed, destroying all its early records. Because of financial problems, a sparse population and a limited tax base, Pearl County was abolished in 1878 and the land was returned to Marion and Hancock Counties.

Prior to the establishment of Pearl River County, a rail line, the New Orleans and Northeastern, was built through the area, and it aided greatly the area's population growth.

In the mid-1930's another Pearl River Countian, Heber Ladner, began a long career of public service to Mississippi. Ladner was elected to the Mississippi House of Representatives from Pearl River County in 1936. From 1940-42, he served as Secretary of the State Budget Commission and from 1942-48 as Clerk of the House. In 1947, Ladner was elected Secretary of State, and he held that post continuously until retiring in 1980. During his tenure as Secretary of State, Ladner brought recognition to the state by serving a term as president of the National Association of Secretaries of State.

Pearl River County is growing today at a great pace. From its early beginnings the county placed a great deal of emphasis on the importance of preparing its citizens for a better future. From the county's strides in technology to Pearl River Community College, which is proving to be not only Mississippi's first but one of Mississippi's best. Pearl River County is taking great steps to see to its future.