History Tocowa, Mississippi

center hill cemetery in tocowa.

description of tocowa 1938 book, mississippi: guide magnolia state:

tocowa springs (can found) in woods of sugar maple, beech, , gum trees, hills meet delta. above springs, bluffs rise 80 100 feet. springs on old chickasaw-choctaw boundary line and, having been considered neutral grounds, meeting place indians. name combination of 2 indian words, chickasaw ptoco, meaning healing, , choctaw wawa, meaning water. here @ healing waters indians assembled after cession of lands in 1832, preparing trek westward beyond mississippi river. in 1890s tocowa springs famous health resort; old hotel still stands (this in 1938). lines of trees planted markers on chickasaw-choctaw boundary line have grown giant size.

during late 18th century, , 19th century, town grew around natural spring. spring used socializing area native americans believed in spring s mysterious healing powers , water heal braves wounded in battle. in may 25, 1867 edition of weekly panola star newspaper, spring described fine, clear, , bold running mineral spring of known , attested medicinal virtues .