Chapter 7 Summary

In 1841, Charles Percy moves his family to the Yazoo-Mississippi Delta. He gains influence, wealth and power. When Charles Percy dies in 1851, his brother, W. A. Percy, takes charge of family affairs and continues to increase the family's wealth and influence.

Eads success in opening the river to commerce allows the river delta area's commerce to flourish. Delta lands are incredibly productive, limited only by access to capital for development. The railroad companies install lines that cross the area and bring capital that spurs development. From 1884 to 1889, the railroads develop the area quickly.

After development establishes the area's capability, labor shortages appear. W. A. Percy institutes widespread sharecropping and relatively enlightened treatment of blacks to attract huge numbers of workers to the area. For example, W. A. Percy prevents the Ku Klux Klan from operating in Washington County, and lynching is largely prevented.

After...