Starkville was founded in 1831 and was known as boardtown because most of the houses were made of clapboards instead of the usual logs. In 1835 the name was changed to Starkville, in honor of General John Stark, a hero of the Revolutionary War.

Colonial W.B. Montgomery proved to be one of the area's strongest promoters. During the late 1870's he imported an exceptional herd of Jersey cattle and thereafter revolutionized the agriculture base from cotton to dairy farming. He was also instrumental in securing for Starkville the location of the new state agricultural and mechanical college in 1878. Mississippi A & M would later develop into Mississippi State University.

Today, the university is the largest in the state with enrollment of over fifteen thousand students. Mississippi State is also a national leader in veterinary medicine, agriculture research and engineering. And has become the backbone of the Starkville economy.

In our first story we travel down Highway 12 to the tiny town of Sturgis. Once a year motorcyclist from around the country gather here for a down home celebration.

"The Flames Band and Shows" is a local Golden Triangle band that has been entertaining folks with their special blend of rhythm & blues for years.

Richard Adee owns and operates one of the largest honey bee operations in the United States. Part of his company is operated out of Woodville, Mississippi.

William Oakley is a former dairy farmer from Oktibbeha County. He tells us about the once booming dairy business in the area and explains why there are only a few dairy farms in operation today. This segment continues our look at Mississippi's Ten Most Endangered Historic Places.

Walt takes a drive up Highway 61 and meets a man who has a unique collection of classic cars that he proudly displays in the town of Duncan.

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