Dockery

Dockery is a surname of English origin that has been borne by individuals and families in Britain, the United States, and elsewhere. In addition to its use as a family name, Dockery appears in various place names and memorial designations named for people who carried the surname. As a surname, Dockery has appeared across a range of professions, including politics, business, sports, and the arts, reflecting several generations of family histories.

Dockery Farms refers to a historic cotton plantation in the Mississippi Delta, located in Sunflower County. Established in the early 20th century, the farm became a notable gathering place for sharecroppers and itinerant musicians. It is widely cited as a cradle of the Delta blues, a development that emerged from the region’s musical and social milieu. The site is associated with early blues figures such as Charley Patton, Son House, and Willie Brown, who performed in the area and contributed to the region’s emerging recorded legacy.

In the present day, Dockery Farms is recognized for its cultural and historical significance to American music. The remaining structures and landscape have been the subject of preservation efforts and scholarly study, highlighting the farm’s role in the evolution of blues music. The Dockery name continues to appear in historical and genealogical contexts as researchers trace its lineage and regional distribution, while the Dockery Farms legacy persists in music history discussions and local heritage projects.