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History
Many streams flow through Franklin County, and the largest, the Homochitto River, provided the impetus for the naming of the chapter.
The Homochitto River, which pre-existed the Indians for thousands of years, begins at the old community of Sweetwater near Wesson, Copiah County, Mississippi, and flows southwest through Franklin County to about 20 miles west of Woodville, Mississippi emptying into Lake Mary and the Mississippi River. The River is approximately 100 miles long.
What does the word "Homochitto" mean? Historical records reveal several possible meanings for the Indian word "Homo" means red "chitta" means big; therefore, considering the Indian Fashion, "Homochitto" would translate as "Big Red". Other say it means "Big Bitter" for the healing powers of the River. And some think it means "home of food" because of the gigantic fish trapped in the River.
Barges traveled the Homochitto River carrying the mail and marketing goods to Natchez, the nearest market. Toll fees for crossing the River were regulated by territorial laws, and in 1836 the Homochitto River Bridge was built to help alleviate the high fees.
Area residents are very proud of and sentimental to the River because of its historical past.
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