Over 100 years ago, in 1901, the Tupelo National Fish Hatchery was formed to provide fish to inland waters of Mississippi and contiguous states. It is one of the oldest fish hatcheries in the United States and is credited to the efforts of Congressman “Private” John Allen of Mississippi’s First Congressional District.
In 1982, the name of the hatchery was changed to Private John Allen National Fish Hatchery in honor of this historic Mississippi congressman.
If those who have followed Allen were asked the question, “Which was the most famous of Private John Allen’s congressional speeches,” they would state, “His Fish Hatchery Speech.”
On Feb. 20,1901, before the U.S. House of Representatives, the congressman delivered an eloquent speech in mock-seriousness proposing Tupelo, Mississippi, as a site for a national fish hatchery. It is regarded as “the most spontaneous burst of wit and humor ever heard on the floors of Congress.”
Shortly after Congressman Allen gave his plea to Congress, they voted in favor of it, the president signed the bill into law, and in 1904, the hatchery began operations. Over 100 years later, it is still a productive, healthy fish hatchery.
Although once a primary role of the National Fish Hatchery System, the farm pond program is no longer a responsibility of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. In 1989, the farm pond program ended, and hatchery production was shifted more to threatened and endangered species and the restoration and mitigation of public waters. A list is available at the hatchery of local and statewide fish producers that can provide fish for private ponds.
Currently, the Private John Allen Fish Hatchery consists of 28 acres, 16 earthen ponds, a hatching/rearing building, administrative offices and maintenance buildings. It operates an elaborate mobile aquarium operated by station personnel that is constantly in demand by area schools and conservation agencies throughout the summer months. It has been viewed by as many as 5,000 schoolchildren in one weekend and as high as 35,000 in one summer. It has served as an outdoor classroom many times while being presented by hatchery personnel.
Special activities are held during National Fishing Week, Earth Day and during several local festivals throughout the year. The hatchery hosts a wildlife viewing area. It is home to the Tupelo Garden Club, which uses the manager’s historic residence and the hatchery grounds to hold much of the city’s social functions. The hatchery is listed as one of the major birdwatching areas by the Audubon Society.
One can visit the Private John Allen National Fish Hatchery Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. until 3:30 p.m. The hatchery normally hosts roughly 20,000 visitors annually. Group tours are welcome with appointment.
For more information on the Private John Allen National Fish Hatchery, contact them at 111 Elizabeth Street, Tupelo, MS 38801, or by calling 662-842-1341.
James L. Cummins is executive director of Wildlife Mississippi, a nonprofit, conservation organization founded to conserve, restore and enhance fish, wildlife and plant resources throughout Mississippi. The website is www.wildlifemiss.org.
