Editing Magnolia, Mississippi (section)

==History==
Magnolia was founded in 1856 by Ansel H. Prewett, a local civic leader and cotton planter. Knowing that the approaching [[New Orleans]], [[Jackson, Mississippi|Jackson]], and Great Northern Railroad (now the [[Illinois Central Railroad]]) would need a station for water and fuel, Prewett sold a right-of-way to the railroad company – for one dollar, according to legend – and divided a section of his plantation into town lots, which he sold to investors. Prewett, while serving as temporary sheriff of Pike County, was killed by outlaws in the early 1870s escorting a prisoner on the very railroad that made Magnolia a viable community.<ref>Martha Lacy Hall, ''An Historical Sketch of Magnolia, Mississippi:  Centennial Celebration, Magnolia, Mississippi, 1856-1956''.  Magnolia, Mississippi:  W. M. Lacy, 1956.</ref>

Magnolia grew rapidly in the 1860s, and in the late nineteenth century Magnolia served as a popular small-town [[resort]] for wealthy New Orleanians, who took trains north from New Orleans to enjoy Magnolia's fresh air and sparkling creeks. At one time early Magnolia boasted an [[opera house]], [[ice rink|skating rink]], and several [[hotels]] that catered largely to these tourists.

In 1860 Magnolia's first newspaper, the ''[[Grand Trunk Magnolian]]'', was established by John Waddill.  It did not last the war and was succeeded by the establishment of the ''[[Magnolia Gazette]]'' by J.D. Burke in 1872.  The ''[[Magnolia Herald]]'' was established by Luke W. Conerly in 1875 and he continued as its proprietor and editor until 1878.<ref>[http://www.lukewardconerly.com''Pike County Mississippi 1798-1876 Pioneer Families and Confederate Soldiers''] by Luke W. Conerly 1909</ref>