Foxworth, Mississippi
# Foxworth, Mississippi

Foxworth, (also known as Nearest or West Columbia), is an unincorporated community and Census-designated place in Marion County, Mississippi. It is located near the intersection of U.S. Route 98 and Mississippi Highway 35, approximately three miles southwest of Columbia along the west bank of the Pearl River.

## History

The community is named after Frank W. Foxworth, who settled the community after moving from the east side of the Pearl River. His father had moved from Marion County, South Carolina and settled near Columbia, Mississippi. Foxworth operated a grist mill, sawmill, and gin.

The community is located on the former Illinois Central Gulf Railroad. Foxworth once had a spur line that connected the Hamilton-Uhl Lumber Company with the New Orleans Great Northern Railroad.

In 1992, the Foxworth Bank merged with Trustmark Bank.

## Education

Foxworth is part of the Marion County School District and is the site of two campuses – West Marion Primary School (Grades K–3), and the shared campus of West Marion Elementary (Grades 4–6), and West Marion High School (Grades 7–12). These serve students in rural areas of western Marion County.

## Notable people

* Earl Poole Ball, singer-songwriter, pianist, actor
* Patrick F. Taylor, businessman and founder of Taylor Energy. Operated a Brangus ranch and wildlife management research facility in Foxworth.
