MISSISSIPPI - Nestled along the banks of the Yazoo River in Yazoo County, Satartia holds the distinction of being the smallest incorporated town in Mississippi, with a population of just 38 residents according to the most recent U.S. Census data. But don’t let its size fool you—this tiny town is brimming with charm, history, and community spirit.
A Name Rooted in Nature
The name “Satartia” comes from a Native American word meaning “pumpkin place,” a nod to the fertile lands that surround the town. Historically, Satartia served as a hub for logging and farming, and its location along the Yazoo River made it a strategic point for trade and transportation.
Life in a Village
Despite its small population, Satartia maintains its status as a town thanks to a recent local recount that bumped the number of residents up to 68, just enough to meet the legal threshold. The town includes a general store that doubles as a restaurant, serving up daily Blue Plate Specials like fried catfish and ribs. It’s the kind of place where everyone knows everyone—and their grandparents too.
Community Spirit
Satartia may be small, but it’s mighty in its sense of community. Locals organize events like the Eli – Pride of the Yazoo River Festival, a celebration featuring music, food, and fireworks. The town also hosts a Christmas parade and a Halloween festival where candy is dropped from a crop duster helicopter—yes, really.
A Place That Refuses to Fade
Residents take pride in keeping Satartia alive and well. Yards are neatly kept, the grass is trimmed, and the town’s one business—the general store—is a gathering place for stories, laughter, and connection. As one longtime resident put it, “It’s not just some abandoned little town. It’s a neat little place.”
Satartia may be Mississippi’s smallest town, but it’s a powerful reminder that community isn’t measured in numbers—it’s measured in heart.
