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Fulton is one of the oldest cities in northern Mississippi. Established on May 11, 1837, by an act of the Mississippi legislature, the city is the northernmost town on the Tombigbee River, located less than 10 miles south of that river's headwaters. Fulton was settled by hardy pioneers seeking new opportunities in the newly available lands of Mississippi's Chickasaw Cession. From its first days, Fulton was the center of commercial activity in Itawamba County, as well as the home to county government. During the Civil War and Reconstruction, the town declined, until a period of new growth and activity took place during the early 20th century. At that time, the timber industry became a lucrative venture, and the Mississippian Railway was established, connecting Fulton to the Frisco Railroad in Amory, 20 miles to the south.