August 1970
First opened
Jim and Gwen Reeves open The Country Squire in Jackson, bringing the region a world-class tobacconist majoring in the finest smoking products for the sophisticated enthusiast.
The Country Squire
About the shop
Founded by Jim and Gwen Reeves in August of 1970, The Country Squire has been a Deep South tradition for over half a century. Mr. and Mrs. Reeves worked to bring the region a pipe and cigar experience like no other — a world-class tobacconist majoring in the finest smoking products and accessories for the sophisticated enthusiast.
The 1980s
Four locations strong
The Country Squire grows to four locations across central Mississippi, all specializing in premium tobacco. After Jim’s death in 1981, Mrs. Reeves faithfully runs the business for another 31 years, eventually consolidating the brand to the original location on Lakeland Drive.
1980s & 1990s
A community grows
It was common for a customer’s tobacco to be weighed up by a Reeves grandchild. Regulars included Jerry Clower and Willie Morris, countless politicians, athletes, and authors — while legendary black labrador Piper kept watch over pastors, mill workers, physicians, and professors swapping stories over their favorite pipe or cigar.
2012
A new generation
Mrs. Reeves passes after decades of service, leaving the shop to her daughter Kim Owen, who begins transitioning The Country Squire into a modern tobacconist. Country Squire Radio is born in this era — and grows into the #1 pipe-smoking podcast on the planet, making the Squire the brick-and-mortar tobacconist for smokers on six continents.
2016
Jon David at the reins
The Country Squire is sold to manager Jon David Cole. Trained by Mrs. Reeves herself, Jon David is devoted to carrying on the legacy of this Southern institution, assisted by a talented staff of Certified Retail Tobacconists who continue the tradition of hand-blending high-quality tobaccos.
2026
A new home on Lakeland
The Squire relocates just around the corner to its brand-new building at 1925 Lakeland Drive — a much larger space with nearly 70 parking spots, an expanded smoking lounge with indoor and outdoor seating, a cocktail bar, and a private members lounge.
Today
Pipe pilgrimages
The shop commonly plays host to folks from around the world — pipe enthusiasts make special plans to visit, sometimes from as far as Europe and Asia. These “Pipe Pilgrimages” have become a tradition in the greater pipe-smoking community. We encourage you to plan your visit soon.
Enter as a stranger, leave as a friend.
Step inside — a virtual look around
Drag to look around, and use the arrows to walk through the shop.