You asked:

If Bogue Chitto has its own zip code, why does it not have a mayor or other local government?

Answer:

Bogue Chitto is a hamlet. A 2009 Mississippi state law (§ 17-27-5) used the term “municipal historical hamlet” to designate any former city, town, or village with a current population of less than 600 inhabitants that lost its charter before 1945. The first such designation was applied to the area in south Lincoln County that more than 430 people call home. It remains the only hamlet in the state.

As far as the zip code is concerned, the Zone Improvement Plan numbers are assigned by the U.S. Postal Service to define delivery routes or areas based on the volume of mail delivered — not geographical boundaries. So, Bogue Chitto did not have to be a city or town in order to have a zip code assigned.

Sitting 10 miles south of Brookhaven, Bogue Chitto received its charter July 3, 1892. Its name comes from the nearby river or creek, aptly named “Big Creek” in Choctaw. Bok chito was transferred into English as Bo-guh chit-uh, thus the name as it has come to be.

In his book, “Lincoln County, Mississippi: A Pictorial History,” Durr Walker Jr. recorded, “Though there seem to be no authentic records of when or by whom it was settled, most agree it was founded before the New Orleans and Northern Railroad — later the Illinois Central. … The first officials were J.H. Curtis, mayor; B.E. Brister, F.A. McLauren, and W.L. Lewis, aldermen.”

At some point prior to the end of World War II in 1945, however, the make-up of the town had changed such that its population was significantly smaller, it had no defined geographical boundaries, and it no longer had aldermen nor mayor.

Communities that are unincorporated — not recognized by the state as a legal entity — are considered part of a larger community. In this case, Bogue Chitto is legally part of Lincoln County and therefore under the jurisdiction of its government. Just like any other voter who lives in the county but outside the city limits of Brookhaven, Bogue Chitto’s residents do not vote for the offices of mayor or aldermen in the city. The County’s government is composed of an elected five-member Board of Supervisors.

Could Bogue Chitto ever be an incorporated town once again? Yes, if certain steps are taken. At least two-thirds of the qualified electors (registered voters) living there must sign a petition asking the State to grant incorporation. The petition must accurately describe proposed boundaries and include a map; must include the desired name of the town, number of inhabitants, and valuation of assessed real properties.

The petition would then be filed with the Lincoln County Chancery Court. If the request meets all statutory requirements, the Court will order an election. A majority vote from the qualified voters of Bogue Chitto would then be required. If passed, the Secretary of State would issue a charter — the town’s basic law or constitution.

At that point, a mayor and a Board of Aldermen of at least five members would be elected, once the town was divided into wards. The Town of Bogue Chitto would then be responsible for the maintenance of roads and bridges, providing law and fire protection, and furnishing health and sanitation services. At present, those services are provided by Lincoln County.