Incorporated in 1828, Rodney was noted for its high level of culture, county fairs, and business activity. Rodney once contained two banks, two newspapers, 500 people, and 35 stores. Cottonseed development, river boat landing, river boat taverns, and high literacy made Rodney a leading rivertown. Spared disaster during the Civil War, Rodney declined following the change in channel of the Mississippi River and tragic fires which occurred in 1852 and 1869.