Itta Bena, Mississippi

Itta Bena is a city near the Yazoo River in the state of Mississippi. This small city near Greenwood has a population of approximately 2,200 and occupies a 1.5 square mile area. Notable as the birthplace of Blues musician B.B. King, Itta Bena is also home to Mississippi Valley State University, a historically black university. Itta Bena has been gradually recreating itself as a college town, with a variety of shops, small businesses and eateries. The 19-mile long Roebuck Lake and neighboring Kimbrough Park are popular spots for gatherings and outdoor activities.

Itta Bena was settled in 1846 at a spot cleared from the pine groves around Roebuck Lake and named after a Choctaw phrase possibly meaning "home in the woods". This first group of settlers built cabins and established farms for cotton and corn. The rich soil and plentiful water supply produced good crops, and soon attracted other settlers. A steam gin and grist mill allowed the town to produce meal for nearby Fort Pemberton through the Civil War. In 1889, the Old Southern Railroad ran a line through the town, leading to the construction of streets, several shops and a police station. Much of the town burned in 1897, but was soon rebuilt, and Itta Bena incorporated as a city the following year. Although Itta Bena was successful agricultural area, some areas of land were unsuitable for farming. One of those spots was chosen to be the site of Mississippi Vocational College, created by the legislature in 1950. In 1964, the school was renamed Mississippi Valley State College, and became Mississippi Valley State University in 1974. Residents and students also took an active part in the Civil Rights movement, beginning a tradition of community organizing, voter education and economic development that continues today.

Itta Bena's history of construction activity, particularly in the first half of the 20th century, when asbestos-containing materials were widely used, has made asbestos exposure a concern for workers and their families. Asbestos exposure may put workers at risk for asbestos-related diseases, such as malignant mesothelioma. If you were exposed to asbestos in Itta Bena and have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, you should also consider contacting an asbestos law firm.

Jobsites in Itta Bena where Asbestos Exposure Occurred

A number of jobsites in Itta Bena, MS have been identified as harboring asbestos containing materials. These sites, at one point in their history, were known to have exposed a variety of tradesmen to asbestos. We will be documenting in more detail how asbestos exposure occurred at these sites in the future on this web site.

Mesothelioma Cancer Centers Near Itta Bena, MS

For your convenience we have compiled a list of mesothelioma cancer centers that are located within a 100 mile radius of Itta Bena, MS. Please click on a cancer center link to obtain more information about the clinical programs offered, professional designations, areas of expertise and how to contact the center.