Tupelo is built on what was formerly Chickasaw land. On May 26, 1736, two forces of French colonists and their Choctaw allies unsuccessfully attacked the Chickasaw in an attempt to rescue prisoners and avenge an attack by the Natchez on the French settlement of Natchez. Failure to conquer the Chickasaw prevented the extension of French authority into northern Alabama, Mississippi, and western Tennessee.

When the town was ceded by the Treaty of Pontotoc in 1832, settlers moved in and began farming. After the Battle of Shiloh, April 6-7, 1862, Confederate General P.G.T. Beauregard and his defeated troops retreated to Tupelo.

This was the first city to sign for TVA power--on October 11, 1933. Less than four months later, service was begun at a tremendous savings. Tupelo is also the birthplace of Elvis Presley.