Ann Motz, Realtors

Olive Branch Area Guide

Olive Branch is a growing community, boasting one of the most diverse economies in the nation. Residents can enjoy access to year round events, a dedicated parks and recreations department dedicated to providing all citizens with a higher quality of life, and a rich history. Enjoy easy access to thriving businesses, top-rated schools, and friendly neighbors willing to lend a hand.

Olive Branch is located a short drive away from the Mid-South's leading metropolitan center: Memphis, Tennessee. Due to all of these factors, Olive Branch offers pleasant, comfortable, uncongested living and employment all less than 30 minutes from the cultural, financial, and distribution center of the Mid-South.

Please visit Olive Branch’s official website to find out more about what this great city can offer you and your family. http://www.obms.us/

History

Olive Branch was originally called Watson's Crossroad and was founded at the intersection of several Chickasaw Indian Trails. The area’s first post office was established in 1846 and the name “Olive Branch” was suggested by a Mrs. Frances Wilson Blocker, a descendant of one of the community's founders. She believed that the new name symbolized a dove bringing a branch to the seagoing Noah. On May 1, 1874, Olive Branch was incorporated as a town and on March 6, 1888, it progressed to Village Status.

Olive Branch grew with the purchase of DeSoto County Sections 34 and 35 from Chickasaw Chief Lush-pum-tubby for $1,600. These purchases were made by two of the earliest settlers in Olive Branch, Stephen Flinn and his wife's brother-in-law, Milton Blocker. Blocker was responsible for the village’s first business, mule-powered cotton gin. This first business was quickly followed by a creamery and boat factory.

In 1836, Olive Branch established its first school, the Rock Springs School located in a log cabin near the Pleasant Hill community. In 1911, DeSoto County Agricultural High School was established on land donated by Milton Blocker, Jr. and his daughters.

As time passed, Olive Branch continued to grow. By the dawn of the 20th century, Olive Branch began to emerge as a commercial and agricultural center. Due to its blossoming growth, Olive Branch soon out grew the settlements of Pleasant Hill and Cockrum. To learn more about Olive Branch’s rich history, please visit: http://www.olivebranchms.com/olive-branch/history.html

Parks & Recreation

The Olive Branch Parks and Recreation provides visitors and residents alike with a variety of quality recreation and leisure experiences. Olive Branch ensures this through providing and continually improving variety and quality of programs, services, and facilities. Enjoy spending an afternoon playing golf or having a picnic with your family at one of the area’s fine parks.

To learn more about what Olive Branch Parks and Recreation Department can offers you, please visit their official website at: http://www.obms.us/parks-recreation.html.

To learn more about the area’s golf courses, please visit: http://www.thegolfcourses.net/golfcourses/MS/OliveBranch.htm

Annual Events

Olive Branch is home to a variety of fun events throughout the year, always offering you and your family something new and exciting to experience! From holiday events to art exhibits and community gatherings, there’s something for people of all ages and interests.

Please visit Olive Branch’s official event calendar to discover just a few of these family-friendly events and activities that await you in the upcoming months. http://chamber.olivebranchms.com/events/