Formed after Chickasaw Cession of 1832 as town of Jefferson. Incorporated in 1837 and named for Spanish Explorer DeSoto. County seat and site of oldest academy in Cession.

Location:   Hernando

US 51, northeast corner of Courthouse Square

Explored by DeSoto for Spain 1540-1. Ruled by France 1699-1763, England 1763-79, and Spain 1779-98. Under U.S. became territory in 1798, state 1817. Seceded 1861; readmitted 1870.

Location:  

US 61, Miss.-Tenn. Line