West Point, Mississippi

West Point: federal service academy in West Point, New York, United States

About

West Point is a city located in the county of Clay in the U.S. state of Mississippi. Its population at the 2010 census was 11,307. After 10 years in 2020 city had an estimated population of 10,378 inhabitants.

The city was created 224 years ago in 1802.

West Point is a city in Clay County, Mississippi in the southeastern United States. As of the 2020 census, the population was 10,378. It lies 2 miles (3 km) north of the Tombigbee River, which marks the border with northeast Mississippi.

History of West Point

West Point was founded in 1868 as seat of Clay County. The county was organized in 1871 during Reconstruction by a Republican-dominated legislature. Their intention was to build Republican strength in Mississippi. The city was named for West Point, New York, where the United States Military Academy is located on the Hudson River.

The town developed because it was the junction of two railroads, the Mobile and Ohio Railroad and the Columbus and Western Railway (now part of the Norfolk Southern Railway). The M&O ran north to south; the C&W ran east to west. In the late 19th century, a new county courthouse was constructed here.

During the Civil War, West Point was the site of a Confederate camp. The city has a Confederate monument, erected in 1914, located on the front lawn of the Clay County Courthouse.

Attractions in West Point

Some points of interest in West Point include:

  • Howlin' Wolf Blues Museum - honors blues musician Howlin' Wolf, who lived in West Point.
  • Old Brick Streets - retain the original paving bricks from the founding of the town.
  • Payne's Hot Tamales - famous tamales shop on Hwy 45 S that attracts visitors.
  • Tibbee Creek - a stream good for fishing and kayaking.

Summary

Founded after the Civil War at the crossing of two railroads, West Point is a small Mississippi city with a fascinating history and some unique attractions worth exploring. The downtown area still retains its original brick streets for a glimpse into the past.

Quick Facts about West Point

Population 10,378 (2020)
Country United States of America
State Mississippi (United States)
County Clay County
Instagram username westpoint_usma
Twitter username WestPoint_USMA
Has part Jefferson Hall, West Point Cadet Chapel
Latitude & Longitude 33.6076,-88.6503
Altitude 223 feet / 68 meters
Establishment March 16, 1802 (224 years ago)
Time Zone America/Chicago
Local time 18:06:08 (22nd April 2026)
Postal code 39773
Population growth -8.95% (2010-2020)
Weather 80℉ Mostly Sunny 7-days weather
USMA Aerial View Looking North image
USMA Aerial View Looking North image

Geography

West Point is located at 33°36'27"N 88°39'1"W (33.6076200, -88.6503300).

West Point map

Click "full screen" full screen map icon to open full mode. View satellite images

Weather

80°F
Mostly Sunny
0 to 5 mph S Wednesday

Mostly sunny, with a high near 80. South wind 0 to 5 mph.

7-Day Forecast

Demographics

According to census records, the population of West Point decreased by 8.95% in 10 years.

Year Population % Change Method
2010 11,307 - census
2011 11,215 -0.82% estimation process
2012 11,144 -0.64% estimation process
2013 11,101 -0.39% estimation process
2014 10,969 -1.2% estimation process
2015 10,868 -0.93% estimation process
2016 10,765 -0.96% estimation process
2017 10,614 -1.42% estimation process
2018 10,469 -1.39% estimation process
2019 10,404 -0.62% estimation process
2020 10,378 -0.25% estimation process
West Point zip code is 39773. County name: Clay, County fips: 28025
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People born in West Point (6)

People born in West Point, including historian Lewis Sorley, actor Ryan Cutrona, general Perry M. Smith, .

More notable people

  • Abraham M Keita he was born in 21/04/1998
  • Colette Freedman (American writer) she was born in 19/11/1969
  • Howlin' Wolf (American blues singer, guitarist and harmonica player) he was born in 10/06/1910

Nearby Schools and Colleges

Schools and campuses linked to West Point, MS. Select a name to open its map and contact details.

Code Name City ZIP
176080 Mississippi State University Mississippi State (MS) 39762

Nearby Transit Stations (1)

Rail and bus stations connected to West Point, MS. Select a station to open its map and address details.

Code Name Address Type
TCL Tuscaloosa 2105 Greensboro Ave RAIL

Closest post offices linked to West Point.

Post Office Name City ZIP
West Poin Post Office West Point (MS) 39773

Other places with the same name (9)

Distance to Other Cities

West Point distances to largest Mississippi cities