In the early fifties the first steam sawmill was established. Up to this time most lumber had been hewed. Some logs were squared by hand saws.

Since cotton was beginning to be raised in ever-increasing quantities, a great many settlers began to bring slaves to work their land.

The average price of the cotton this decade was 11.8c.

1860-1869

During this decade the Civil War was the high point, excluding everything else most of the time. Ten companies of troops were organized and sent to the Confederate Armies.

Money again became unknown and business was done by barter. Even taxes were paid "in kind" and meat, wheat, corn or cotton or anything else of value was acceptable for taxes.

During this time cotton had to be marketed at Jefferson or New Orleans. Ox teams could easily make the round trip to Jefferson in three weeks. Roads did not matter as ox teams make just as good time over bad roads as they do over good ones.

During this period all thought of trying to make money was given up and a diligent effort was made to only exist.

The average price of cotton this ten years was 51.6c.