History and Heritage in Mississippi
The rich and colourful Mississippi culture and heritage can be found in its museums, historical homes, Civil War battle sites and landmarks. You can also see it reflected in the impact of the Mississippi River, in the unfolding of the Civil Rights Movement, and in the prominence of Mississippi literature. Visit Mississippi and you will have the opportunity to explore every bit of it.
During the American Civil War, Union and Confederate soldiers fought some of their fiercest battles in Mississippi. Sites that played significant roles in the conflict can be found in every corner of the State.
Throughout the dramatic history of Mississippi, the state has turned out an incredible amount of artistic talent. Mississippi is the birthplace of America’s music; blues, gospel, country and rock’n’roll. Many of the music industry’s greatest stars, as well as countless other musicians and writers, call Mississippi home. Among the most notable are writers William Faulkner, Eudora Welty, Richard Wright, Walker Percy, Tennessee Williams and John Grisham. Mississippi musicians include Muddy Waters, Howlin’ Wolf, Robert Johnson, BB King and Elvis Presley… and that’s only a fraction!
Today Mississippi is a state with profound respect for its own history and its role in the evolution of the United States. The constant flow of the mighty Mississippi River and the lushness of the landscape nurture memories both ancient and recent, and invite visitors to discover Mississippi past and present.
Landmarks in Mississippi
Mississippi's history boasts a long list of Mississippi landmarks and interesting places where you can witness firsthand the footprints of the past. Across the state, the caretakers and curators of these national landmarks and historic places work diligently to preserve their wonder for generations to come.
One of the premier National Historic Landmarks is Rosalie Mansion. This Federal-style mansion in Natchez was built in 1823 near the site of the former French fort of the same name. The house served as the local headquarters for the Union Army during the Civil War and has been furnished with period 1850s furniture. The 4-acre Rosalie Historic Gardens surround the mansion and back up to a 6-acre meadow overlooking the Mississippi River. The Old Mississippi State Capitol is located in the state capital of Jackson, one of only two cities in the United States developed specifically to serve as a state capital. This beautifully preserved building served as Mississippi’s official state house from 1839 to 1903, and now serves as a museum dedicated to its own history and restoration. It was declared a National Historic Landmark in 1990 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places – certainly one of the most famous Mississippi landmarks.
Another one of the famous Mississippi landmarks, The Winterville Mounds, named for the nearby town of Winterville, is a prehistoric ceremonial site built by early Native Americans that thrived here between 1000 and 1400 A.D. The mounds were part of the society’s religious structure and were used for ceremonies and religious rites. Off of the Natchez Trace Parkway just north of Natchez is the Emerald Mound site. A ceremonial space built and used between 1250 and 1600 AD, this eight-acre national landmark is one of the largest mounds in North America.
If you need advice or have any questions about Mississippi, please get in touch with our Mississippi State experts - we are always happy to help you out!
