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A PROFILE OF PONTOTOC COUNTY Pontotoc County lies in the heart of Northeast Mississippi, the self-proclaimed "Buckle of the Bible Belt." Surrounded by gentle hills, cotton fields and red earth, Pontotoc's geography is characteristic of much of the South. The early industries of cotton, oil and dairy have given way to furniture manufacturing - Pontotoc's largest industry today. The majority of its 24,000 residents are Christian, and 110 churches provide places of worship and serve as the backbone of community life. Church membership is high and crime and divorce rates are low. Many Pontotoc residents credit their enviable living conditions to their Christian way of life. Pontotoc County prides itself on its stability and pervading generosity. With communities named Harmony and Friendship, it is no surprise that the local Chamber of Commerce advertises Pontotoc's citizens as its greatest asset: "Pontotoc's people are people with strong family values, strong work ethics, and strong belief in God and their fellow man." The Pontotoc County school system has been rated one of the best in the state. The Chamber of Commerce reports that Pontotoc schools provide "the perfect mix of teaching traditional values, strict discipline, college prep courses, computer technology and vocational skills." Until the 1996 Herdahl v. Pontotoc County School District ruling, morning devotions, in one form or another, had been a part of the school day in Pontotoc County for more than eighty years. Home | The Story | The Issue | Filmmakers | Resources | Comments | ITVS | POV