Every now and then new discoveries or inventions push past what we once thought was possible and become true historical game changers.
Can you imagine what life would be like without electricity, books, antibiotics, or airplanes? These foundational inventions have been stepping stones to many other innovations like the internet, specialized medical treatments, e-books, and military jets!
When it comes to Alcorn County, there were 4 technological and industrial advancements that really changed the game when it came to population growth, a boosted economy, and job growth. Here’s a closer look at these 4 game changers.
The Railroad
Did you know that Corinth used to be called Cross City? That’s because it served as a junction for the Mobile & Ohio and Memphis & Charleston railroads. Since it was such a crossroads for industry, W.E. Gibson, the newspaper editor, coined the name “Corinth,” much like the game-changing town in Greece in ancient times.
During the 1800s, the railroad not only boosted economic development but also helped mobilize at least 300,000 troops during the Civil War!
First Daily Newspaper
American author, Mark Twain, is famously quoted saying, “What the world is today, good and bad, it owes to Gutenberg.” Gutenberg invented the printing press in the 1400s which enabled the mass production of books and newspapers and the spreading of ideas.
In 1895, J.C. Martin founded The Daily Corinthian, which is still in production today. This news source connected Corinthians with the outside world and with one another. Most Corinthians still depend on this daily newspaper for the latest updates on what’s happening locally!
Electricity
The 1800s introduced electric light varieties by inventors Warren de la Rue, Joseph Wilson Swan, and Thomas Edison (the Edison bulb is still popular!). According to History.com, “The complex wires erected to power early light bulbs also helped lead to the first domestic electrical wiring, paving the way for countless other in-home appliances.”
It wasn’t until 1934, however, that ACE Power formed the first rural cooperative in the United States. Our member-owned not-for-profit aimed to improve the quality of life in Alcorn County from the very beginning, and we still commit to raising the standard of living today!
This quote says it all about the game-changing quality of electricity being introduced in Alcorn County:
“It was the greatest thing in the whole business, bringing electricity to those people. We wired the houses, brought out the appliances, put in the meter, with the families crowded around waiting. When the first switch was turned on, they literally cried and shouted with joy.”- Joe Browner, ACE employee in 1934
High-Speed, Fiber-Optic Internet
One of the ways ACE Power has committed to raising the standard of living in Alcorn County is by creating ACE Fiber as a subsidiary. ACE Fiber doesn’t just want to give you the internet speed you need for your work and home. We also want to give you personalized service you deserve so that every time you call, you speak with a helpful person you know by name.
Big internet service providers see through a big-city lens. ACE sees the people of our community and believes in them. We see the potential for growing businesses, better education, and more job opportunities. All because of access to high-speed, fiber-optic internet!
ACE Fiber Internet Is a Game Changer
At ACE, we pride ourselves in historically bringing one of the most essential game changers to Alcorn County: Electricity. Now we’re on a mission to elevate the standard of living in our community again with high-speed, fiber-optic internet.
With no data caps, no contracts, and no hidden fees, ACE Fiber isn’t just better…it’s game-changing.