A new historical marker will soon be placed in front of the Intramodal Transportation Center in downtown Picayune. 

The sign will honor the confederate companies that were formed in the Pearl River County area during the Civil War, said Gainesville Volunteer member Jim Huffman.

“We’re hoping people will understand more about the history in the area by realizing how many confederate companies were raised here even though the population was very sparse,” Huffman said.

The confederate history organization raised about $2,300 for the marker.

The sign will be black and gold to match the other city signs in downtown Picayune, said Gainesville Volunteer member Russell Foster.

City Manager Jim Luke approved the sign’s placement Wednesday afternoon, Huffman said.

Pearl River County was formed after the Civil War from portions of Marion and Hancock counties. The following companies were formed near what is now Pearl River County: Capt. Robards’ Company, Gainesville Volunteers, Hancock Rebels, Poitevent’s Company, Shieldsboro Rifles, Columbia Guards, Jeff Davis Sharpshooters, Marion Grays and Marion’s Men.

Huffman said the Hancock Rebels were formed at Hobolochitto, which is now Picayune and they served at the Battles of Iuka and Corinth and the siege of Vicksburg.

The Gainesville Volunteers also raise money throughout the year to maintain cemeteries, buy headstones for confederate soldiers and perform memorial services.

“We want to honor these people for the same reasons that Americans have always honored veterans. We honor our fellow citizens that go out when their country calls them to defend in their minds, country, home, hearth and family,” Huffman said.

The organization has raised money in the past for state markers placed at the Mississippi Welcome Center near Picayune and in Hancock County.

“We want the story of the veterans who went out to defend their homes and families to be the center of attention,” Huffman said.