Group Tour Escort Manual
Mississippi
Mississippi’s Population: 2.84 million
Mississippi’s Motto: Virtute et Armis (by valor and arms)
Mississippi’s Capital: Jackson
Number of Square Miles: 47,233 (including 420 miles of inland water surface)
Highest Elevation: 806 feet (Mt. Woodall at Iuka, Mississippi)
State Flower and State Tree: Magnolia
State Bird: Mockingbird Dunleith Plantation, Natchez
lMississippi became the 20th state in 1817.
lJames Earl Jones of Arkabutla is world-famous for his incredible voice. He flawlessly performed Shakespeare’s Othello, and
was the voice of Darth Vader in the movie “Star Wars.” He also stuttered badly as a child.
lThe Petrified Forest in Flora is 36 million years old and is a National Registered Landmark.
lThe oldest field game in America is stickball, which is the game of choice for the Choctaw Indians of Mississippi. A tournament
is held each July at the Choctaw Indian Fair in Philadelphia.
lThe Ideal Toy Company and the “Teddy Bear” came into being after an incident at Onward in 1901, when Teddy Roosevelt
refused to shoot a small bear cub while on an arranged hunt.
lThe world’s only cactus plantation is located near Edwards and grows more than 3,000 varieties of cacti.
lOn February 18, 1861, Jefferson Davis, a former Senator from Warren County, was inaugurated as President of the Confederate
States of America.
lMississippi produces more than 70% of the world’s farm-raised catfish.
lMississippi College, in Clinton, was the first co-educational college in the United States to grant a degree to a woman.
For more information about Mississippi, visitVisitMississippi.org
Mississippi continued
The Waterways Experiment Station, in Vicksburg, is the largest research, testing and development facility of the U.S. Army Corps
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of Engineers.
The Biedenharn Candy Company Museum, in Vicksburg, commemorates the site where the world famous soft drink beverage,
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Coca-Cola was first bottled in 1894.
Arthur Guyton, of Jackson, is a physician and author of the most widely used text of physiology in the world.
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Leontyne Price, of Laurel, was the first African-American to achieve international stardom in the field of opera.
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Alcorn State University, in Jefferson County, is the world’s oldest land grant college for African-Americans.
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Burnita Shelton Matthews, of Hazlehurst, was the first woman federal judge in the U.S. and served the district of
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Washington, D.C.
The extremely popular Mississippi Gulf Coast is home to the world’s largest man-made beach stretching 26 scenic miles.
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The first nuclear submarine built in the South was produced in Mississippi.
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Will Price, of McComb, was the script consultant for the movie GONE WITH THE WIND, and later married actress, Maureen O’Hara.
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The rarest of North American cranes, the Sandhill Crane, lives in Mississippi in the grassy savanna of Jackson County.
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The Mississippi Delta is the birthplace of Blues music, the only music recognized as truly original to America.
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The Parent-Teachers Association (PTA) was founded in Mississippi in 1909.
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Mississippi is Choctaw for “Father of Waters,” and refers to the Mississippi River from which the state takes its name.
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AbErdEEn
Population: 6,415
Main Industry: Considered “chemical manufacturing capital of Northeast Mississippi”
Famous Natives: Dr. William A. Evans, Judge Eugene O. Sykes, “Bukka” White, General Reuben Davis
Major Festivals/Events: Southern Heritage Pilgrimage, a Timeline of Southern Architecture, Blue Bluff River Festival
Victorian Christmas Celebration
Tourism Office Phone Number: 800-634-3538
lRobert Gordon, a Scotsman, founded Aberdeen in 1835.
lAberdeen became the county seat of Monroe County in 1849.
lAberdeen was once the farthest point north for navigation on the Tombigbee River.
lAberdeen was an important port for cotton export during the 1800’s.
lAberdeen has over 200 homes and buildings on the National Register of Historic Places.
lGenealogists and historical researchers from throughout the United States
come to Evans Memorial Library to do research.
lDr. William Evans, founder of Evans Memorial Library, was a public
health physician in Chicago.
l“Bukka” White, legendary blues performer, gave B.B. King, his cousin, his first guitar Tennessee Tombigbee
lThe Aberdeen City Hall, built in 1912, boasts a stained glass skylight at the top of its stairs. Lock and Dam
lOne of 21 certified retirement cities in the state-selected as one of the “50 places to retire” in the U.S.
For more information about Aberdeen, visit www.aberdeenms.org
AbErdEEn continued
The restored Art Deco Elkin Theater is open every weekend to show current movies.
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Located on the Tenn-Tom Waterway
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Tradition has it that de Soto marched up what is now Commerce Street in 1540.
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The oldest existing wooden depot (c. 1860) in Mississippi is in Aberdeen.
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The “Magnolias” (c. 1852) is open week days for tours.
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The First Methodist Church built in 1912 boasts Tiffany windows.
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Two of the four “Second Empire” style houses are in Aberdeen.
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Magnolia’s Interior
For more information about Aberdeen, visit www.aberdeenms.org
bAy sT. Louis - HAncock counTy
Population: 8,209
Main Industries: Tourism/Gaming, Aerospace Industry, Arts & Antiques
Famous Natives: Brett Favre, Pete Fountain, Stephen Ambrose, “Doc” Blanchard , Richmond Barthe, Alice Moseley
Major Festivals/Events: Bridge Fest, Mardi Gras, Crab Festival, Mississippi Bike Fest, Cruisin’ the Coast, 2nd Saturday Art
Walk, Christmas Festival “Old Bay St. Louis” Holiday Tree Gala, Snowflakes in the Bay
Tourism Office Phone Numbers: 800-466-9048 or 228-463-9222
lDiscovered by French Explorer, Pierre Le Moyne d’Iberville in 1699
lHome of NASA’s John C. Stennis Space Center and StenniSphere
lHistoric Old Town of Bay St. Louis - famous for art and antique shopping
lHollywood Casino, home to the Bridges Golf Course, the only
Arnold Palmer design golf course in Mississippi
lBuccaneer State Park; McCloud Water Park
lBreathtaking white sand beaches on the Gulf of Mexico (pet-friendly)
lHistoric Depot District was the site of Tennessee Williams film The Bridges Golf Course
“This Property is Condemned” by Paramount Pictures in 1966. at Hollywood Casino
lHome of St. Rose De Lima Catholic Church, established in 1926 as an African-American based church.
lLocated less than an hour east of New Orleans, Louisiana.
lSt. Augustine Seminary and Grotto, the oldest Roman Catholic Seminary in the state training young African-American men for
the priesthood is located in Bay St. Louis.
For more information about Bay St. Louis-Hancock County, visit www.mswestcoast.org
bELzoni
Population: 2,663
Main Industry: Farm-Raised Catfish
Famous Natives: Ethel Wright Mohamed, Spencer Haywood, Denise LaSalle
Major Festival/Event: World Catfish Festival-the first Saturday of each April. Live entertainment, carnival, kids’ rides,
catfish eating contest, over 100 arts and crafts vendors, 5K run. Fun run.
Tourism Office Phone Numbers: 800-408-4838 or 662-247-4838
Belzoni is located in Humphreys County and is the “Catfish Capital of the World.”
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Belzoni was the home of Ethel Wright Mohamed, known as the “Grandma Moses of Stitchery.”
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Belzoni was named after Govanni Battista Belzoni, an Italian Count.
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Belzoni was originally known as “Greasey Row.”
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Belzoni is the home of Wister Gardens, a 14-acre horticultural wonderland.
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Catfish on Parade-Over forty 5-foot tall catfish sculptures in downtown Belzoni that have been painted by
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local artists. Each has its individual personality.
Jaketown Museum. Artifacts dating back to 1750 B.C.
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Pinetop Perkins Blues trail marker
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Catfish on Parade
Sculpture
For more information about Belzoni, visit www.catfishcapitalonline.com
biLoxi - HArrison counTy
Population: 50,644 (Census 2000)
Main industries: Hospitality, casino resorts, Keesler Air Force Base, seafood, retail
Famous natives: Fred Haise, Apollo 13 astronaut; Shayna Steele, Broadway actress; George E. Ohr, turn-of-the-century
potter known as “the Mad Potter of Biloxi”; Edward Barq, inventor of Barq’s Root Beer
Major Festivals/Events: Mardi Gras, Biloxi Seafood Festival, Christmas on the Water, Spring Pilgrimage, Country Cajun
Crawfish Festival, St. Patrick’s Day Parade, Biloxi Shrimp Festival and Blessing of the Fleet, Fall
Muster at Beauvoir, Mississippi Deep Sea Fishing Rodeo, Cruisin’ the Coast, Smokin’ the Sound
Tourism Office Phone Numbers: 888-467-4853 or 228-896-6699
lBiloxi, with a colorful history dating back more than 300 years, is the best-known city on the Mississippi Gulf Coast and is the
only city in the United States named Biloxi, after an Indian tribe explorers encountered when making landfall.
lEstablished in 1699 and one of the oldest settlements in the United States, Biloxi was the first permanent settlement in
the lower Mississippi Valley and was the first capital of the Louisiana Territory.
lBiloxi is home to a multi-billion-dollar casino-resort industry where resorts offer ‘round-the-clock Las Vegas-style gaming,
big-name entertainment, restaurants, shopping, first-class accommodations and top-flight golf courses. One of the resorts,
the Beau Rivage Resort & Casino, AAA Four Diamond resort with 1,780 rooms, is the largest on the Southeast coastline.
lThe Mississippi Coast Coliseum and Convention Center in Biloxi offers more than 100,000 square feet of meeting
space and hosts concerts and festivals year round. The Mississippi Sea Wolves hockey team also plays in the Coliseum.
lBeauvoir, circa 1852, was the last home of Confederate President Jefferson Davis and is now
a museum, Presidential Library and home to the Tomb of the Unknown Confederate Soldier.
For more information about Biloxi, visit www.gulfcoast.org Biloxi Lighthouse
biLoxi - HArrison counTy (continued)
The Ohr-O’Keefe Museum of Art, designed by word-renowned architect Frank Gehry, houses fabulous
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works of art by turn-of-the-century potter George E. Ohr, who billed himself as “the Mad Potter of Biloxi.”
Biloxi hosts museums dedicated to Mardi Gras, the seafood industry as well as a daily Shrimping Boat tour.
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Biloxi is home to the world’s longest man-made sand beach that stretches 26 miles along the
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Mississippi Gulf Coast.
Biloxian Edward Barq Sr. invented the soft drink Barq’s Root Beer in Biloxi in 1898.
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Keesler Air Force Base was established in 1941 in Biloxi and today is the electronics training center
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for the Air Force, and home to the second largest medical center in the Air Force and the George E. Ohr
“Mad Potter of Biloxi”
world-famous Hurricane Hunters.
Playwright Neil Simon chronicled his time as a young airman in Biloxi in “Biloxi Blues,” the award-winning Broadway play
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and movie.
Biloxi also was the setting for John Grisham’s best-selling novel “The Runaway Jury.”
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Jimmy Buffett, who cut his musical teeth in Biloxi, immortalized the city in his rendition of the song “Biloxi.”
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Edgewater Mall, the Mississippi Coast’s largest enclosed mall, pampers shoppers with more than one million square feet under
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its roof. The mall features more than 100 specialty stores, a food court, rock-climbing wall and four major department stores:
Belk, Dillard’s, JCPenney and Sears.
Biloxi is the home to a deep-sea charter fishing fleet that offers half-day or multi-day fishing excursions into the Gulf of Mexico.
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Mary Mahoney’s Old French House Restaurant in Biloxi was once site of the Louisiana Territory headquarters.
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For more information about Biloxi, visit www.gulfcoast.org
cAnTon
Population: 12,911
Main Industries: Automobile Manufacturing, Chicken Processing Plant, Industrial Containers
Famous Natives: Bluesman Elmore James Williams, Sister Thea Bowman
Major Festivals/Events: Canton Flea Market Arts & Crafts Show, Mississippi Championship
Hot Air Balloon Fest, Gospel Fest, Victorian Christmas Festival
Tourism Office Phone Numbers: 800-844-3369 or 601-859-1307
lCanton is nationally and internationally known for the Canton Flea Market and Crafts Show
held the second Thursday in May and October of each year.
lCanton is the home of the Allison’s Wells School of Arts and Crafts.
lCanton is the birthplace of the famous blues artist, Elmore James. Canton Courthouse
lCanton is known as the original “City of Lights.”
lCanton is home to the Howcott Monument. This memorial is the only one of its kind in the South. It was erected by William H.
Howcott in honor of his body servant, Willis Howcott, who accompanied him into battle during the Civil War.
lCanton is over 160 years old, has one of only three town squares of its age and architectural integrity in Mississippi and is listed
on the National Register of Historic Places.
lThe museums at Wohner’s Corner, located on Canton’s Historic Square, houses The Movie Museum, The Willie Morris/My Dog Skip
Museum and the Multicultural Center and Museum.
lCanton is known as the Movie Capital of Mississippi and is the location site of the John Grisham movie, “A Time to Kill,” Mississippi
author Willie Morris’“My Dog Skip,” and the Coen Brothers’“O Brother, Where Art Thou?,” to name a few.
For more information about Canton, visit www.cantontourism.com
cLArksdALE
Population: 20,645
Main Industries: Cotton, beans, and rice farming; Tourism
Famous Natives: Sam Cooke, Early Wright, Jelly Roll Kings (Sam Carr, Big Jack Johnson,
Frank Frost), Wade Walton, Little Junior Parker, Ike Turner, Sir Mack Rice,
Earl Hooker, Pinetop Perkins, Lil Green, Jackie Brenston, Super Chikan,
Conway Twitty, Blind Mississippi Morris, Charlie Musselwhite, Rev. Willie
Morganfield, Charley Patton, Raymond Hill, Clayton Love, C.V. Veal,
Thomas Harris, Marshall Bouldin, Tomas Eloby, Morgan Freeman, Lerone
Bennett, Henry Dorris, Charlie Conerly, Perian Conerly, Earl Barron,
Terrence Metcalf, Trumain McBride, Joyn Outlaw, Roy Curry, Aaron
E. Henry, John Clark, Charles Sullivan.
Major Festivals/Events: Delta Jubilee, Tennessee Williams Festival,
Sunflower River Blues and Gospel Festival,
Juke Joint Festival, Hambone Festival,
Friday at the Stage, Clarksdale Caravan
Music Festival
Tourism Office Phone Number: 662-627-7337
lClarksdale was established in 1836.
lHome of the Historic Crossroad (Highways 61 & 49)
For more information about Clarksdale, visit www.visitclarksdale.com Famous Highway
61 and 49 sign
cLArksdALE (continued)
lHome of famous blues artists: W.C. Handy, Charlie Patton, Muddy Waters,
Son House, Howlin’ Wolf, John Lee Hooker.
lHome of the North Delta Museum in Friars Point, Mississippi
lHome of the historic Clarksdale Train Depot, Blues Alley Way
lDowntown Clarksdale historic area where the famous playwright, Tennessee Williams, grew up as a child
lHistoric home of Mississippi’s Governor Earl Brewer
lIsle of Capri Casino resort in Lula
lHome of the Delta Blues Museum
lDelma Furniss Hospitality Station
lHopson Plantation
lDowntown Walk of Fame
lOld Greyhound Bus Station
lHwy 1 Scenic Byway
lWROX Museum
lTheo’s Rock’n’Roll & Blues Heritage Museum
Ground Zero Blues Club
For more information about Clarksdale, visit www.visitclarksdale.com
cLEVELAnd
Population: 13,841
Famous Natives: Dave “Boo” Ferris, Margaret Wade
Major Festivals/Events: Crosstie Arts & Jazz Festival Octoberfest, Italian Festival of Mississippi
Tourism Office Phone Numbers: 800-295-7473 or 662-843-2712
lThe Railroad town of Cleveland was incorporated in 1886. It is located halfway between Memphis and Vicksburg.
lAt the time the Mississippi Delta rivaled the Pacific NW in its vast hardwood Forests.
Thick forests and rich, fertile soil brought settlers to the region
lHome of Delta State University
l“Boo” Ferris Baseball Museum
lBologna Performing Arts and Sculpture gardens
lHistoric downtown district that features a landscaped walking trail
through heart of the area
lUpscale downtown shopping, noted for antiques and boutique
dress and gift shops
lFamous for McCarty’s Pottery & Gardens and Peter’ Pottery
lMartin & Sue King Model Railroad Museum
lDockery Farms, known worldwide as the birthplace of the Delta Blues
lPo’ Monkey’s, one of the last authentic Juke Joints in the Mississippi Delta Po’ Monkeys
lGreat River Road State Park, the only State Park located on the Mississippi River
For more information about Cleveland, visit www.visitclevelandms.com
cLinTon
Population: 23,347
Main Industry: Higher Education
Famous Natives: Wyatt Waters, Barry Hannah, Lance Bass
Major Festivals/Events: Main Street Clinton’s Olde Towne Market–Summer Months,
Annual Fourth of July Fireworks Extravaganza, Annual Christmas
Parade – First Saturday Evening in December, Mississippi
College Festival of Lights
Tourism Office Phone Number: 601-924-2221 Mississippi College Campus
lClinton was originally named “Mt. Salus,” meaning “mountain of health and healthful springs.”
lClinton is home to Mississippi College, the oldest four-year college in Mississippi and the first
co-ed college in the U.S. to graduate a woman.
lClinton is a Certified Retirement City and was selected a Mississippi Most Livable Community.
lThe Clinton Visitor Center is located at milepost 89 on the Natchez Trace Parkway.
lClinton was originally considered for the state capital in 1829, but lost by one vote in the legislature.
lThe Clinton Community Nature Center, located on 33 acres in the heart of town, provides learning opportunities for all ages,
from self-guided walking tours to week-long day camps.
lOlde Towne Clinton, with its quaint brick streets, offers an eclectic group of charming retail shops and art galleries.
lClinton is home to the award winning Attache’ Show Choir; concerts are performed in May and December.
lThe Clinton Cemetery, c. 1800, is one of the oldest in Central Mississippi with grave sites of ten college presidents, sixty-three
Confederate soldiers and families of pioneer soldiers.
For more information about Clinton, visit www.clintonchamber.org
coLuMbiA
Population: 6,603
Main Industries: Wood Products, Parachutes, Clothing, Furniture
Famous Natives: Eagle Day, Walter Payton, Dr. Charles Cassidy Bass
Major Festivals/Events: The Squirrel on the Pearl, Historical Society’s Flea Market, Winterfest-Annual Arts, Crafts & Car
Show Candlelight, Carols and Claus, Living Legends Bluegrass Reunion (Bi-annual)
lColumbia is home to one of the world’s largest parachute manufacturer.
lThe home of two-time Mississippi Governor Hugh White is located in Columbia and is available for group tours by appointment.
lColumbia is home to the Balance Agriculture with Industry Program (BAWI) introduced by Governor Hugh White in 1936. The
program was responsible for helping lure new industries to the State of Mississippi.
lColumbia’s courthouse faces historic Main Street with many Main Street businesses in second-
century operation.
lThe John Ford House in Columbia is the oldest frontier house standing in the Pearl
River Valley and is available for tours by appointment.
lColumbia was the first capital of the State of Mississippi.
lAndrew Jackson spent the night at the John Ford Home on his way to the Battle of New Orleans.
lTrue white squirrels have made their home in Columbia on Keys Hills since the 1930’s.
lColumbia is located in South Central Mississippi approximately 85 miles south of the state
capitol, 30 miles west of Hattiesburg and 100 miles north of the MS Gulf Coast.
lRed Bluff (A scenic overlook), located 10 miles northwest of Columbia, was naturally eroded
from the Pearl River on its west bank and peaks at 400 feet with over 3 miles of colorful rocks.
For more information about Columbia, visit www.mcdp.info Red Bluffs
coLuMbus
Population: 25,944
Main Industry: Manufacturing, Columbus Air Force Base, Severstal, Eurocopter, health care
Famous Natives: Tennessee Williams, Red Barber, Henry Armstrong, Josh Meadow, Jerry Rice, Big Joe Williams,
Leslie Frazier, Clarence Weatherspoon
Major Festivals/Events: Annual Spring Pilgrimage, Crystal Christmas, Market Street Festival, Tennessee Williams
Tribute & tour of Victorian Homes, Dream 365 MLK Event, Catfish in the Alley, Ghosts and
Legends, Fall Tour of Historic Homes and Decorative Arts & Preservation Forum and Antiques
Show & Sale
Tourism Office Phone Number: 800-327-2686 or 662-329-1191
lColumbus boasts over 650 structures attracting thousands to the annual
Spring Pilgrimage and to tour homes daily throughout the year
lColumbus named a “Dozen Distinctive Destinations” by the National
Trust for Historic Preservation
lColumbus is a “Preserve America City” with three National Register
Historic Districts
lColumbus is the founding city for America’s Memorial Day.
lColumbus is the birthplace of internationally famous playwright
Tennessee Williams.
For more information about Columbus, visit www.columbus-ms.org First Home of Tennessee Williams
coLuMbus continued
lThe Mississippi University for Women, the first public university for women in America, is located in Columbus.
lColumbus is home of Columbus Air Force Base, where 1/3 of our nations pilots are trained.
lColumbus is the headquarters for the Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway, a large inland waterway connecting Columbus to
river ports in Mid-America as well as deep-water ports on the Gulf of Mexico.
lThe toilet seat patented for the space shuttle was designed and produced in Columbus.
lHernando de Soto crossed the Tombigbee River near Columbus as early as 1540.
lThe settlement was originally called “Possum Town” because the original inhabitants, the Chickasaw Indians, believed
the manager of the trading post, Spirus Roach, had possum-like features.
Clock Tower at the Mississippi University for Women
For more information about Columbus, visit www.columbus-ms.org
corinTH
Population: 14,054
Main Industry: Manufacturing
Famous Natives: Roscoe Turner, Russell Keaton, Don Blasingame,
Thomas Hal Phillips, Jackie Simpson
Major Festivals/Events: Slugburger Festival, Crossroads Festival and Corinth Military Cemetery
Chili Cook-Off, Hog Wild in Corinth Barbecue Festival
Tourism Office Phone Numbers: 800-748-9048 or 662-287-8300
lCorinth has the best-preserved collection of Civil War earthworks in the nation.
lOver 300,000 soldiers and over 200 generals occupied Corinth from 1861-1865, the largest in the Western Hemisphere.
lTwo of the most important railroads in the Confederacy passed through Corinth.
lThe Battle of Shiloh was fought to defend Corinth from Federal advancement and was the largest battle of the Corinth Campaign.
lThe Battle of Corinth was the bloodiest battle in the State of Mississippi.
lThe oldest continuously operating drug store in the State is Borroum’s Drug Store in Corinth.
lOn December 7, 1874, members of the Jesse James gang robbed the Tishomingo Savings Bank and escaped with $15,000.
lFrom the early 1930’s through the 1950’s, Corinth was known as the “Marriage Capital of the Country” because there was not a
waiting period for marriage.
lRoscoe Turner, the only Mississippian in the National Aviation Hall of Fame, was born in Corinth.
lEbony and Jet Magazines are printed in Corinth.
lThe famous Slugburger Festival is named for a delicacy dating back to the Great Depression. Slugburgers are a deep-fried
mixture of cornmeal, beef and soy served on a bun with yellow mustard, pickles and onion.
For more information about Corinth, visit www.corinth.net
coVinGTon counTy (coLLins, MounT oLiVE, sEMinAry)
Population: 3,911
Main Industries: Sanderson Farms, Warren, Inc. The Blain Companies
Famous Natives: Gerald McRaney, Dana Andrews, Marilyn Mims, Steve McNair
Major Festivals/Events: Okatoma Festival-1st Saturday in May, Seminary Celebration-1st Saturday in November
Tourism Office Phone Number: 601-765-6012
lBirthplace of Gerald McRaney, the star of “Major Dad,”“Simon & Simon,” and “Promised Land.”
lDana Andrews, winner of seven Academy Awards, was born in the Don’t Community.
lMount Olive is the hometown of Steve “Air” McNair, famous NFL quarterback.
lThe Okatoma Creek is one of the best canoeing streams
in Mississippi and derived its name from the Choctaw
word “okatob,” which means “to be watery.”
lThere is an Old Order German Baptist community
located off Highway 532 in Mt. Olive which contains
Martha’s Kitchen, Diehl Brothers Furniture and Roger’s Basketry.
lThe community of Hot Coffee is located between Highway 84
East and Mount Olive on Highway 532.
Kayaking on the Okatoma River
For more information about Covington County, visit www.covingtonchamber.com
diAMondHEAd - HAncock counTy – Mississippi’s WEsT coAsT
Population: 6000 approximately
Main Industries: Tourism/Gaming, Aerospace Industry, Arts & Antiques
Famous Natives: Brett Favre, Pete Fountain, Stephen Ambrose, “Doc” Blanchard , Richmond Barthe
Major Festivals/Events: Mardi Gras – Krewe of Diamondhead, Mississippi Bike Fest – 4th of July Holiday
Tourism Office Phone Numbers: 800-466-9048 or 228-463-9222
lDiscovered by French Explorer, Pierre Le Moyne d’Iberville in 1699.
lHome of NASA’s John C. Stennis Space Center and StenniSphere.
lLocated less than an hour east of New Orleans, Louisiana
lTwo Championship golf courses and two hotels
For more information on Diamondhead-Hancock County-Mississippi’s West Coast, visit www.mswestcoast.org
GrEEnViLLE - WAsHinGTon counTy
Population: 41,633
Main Industries: Agriculture, Aquaculture, Manufacturing, Tourism
Famous Natives: Jim Henson, Little Milton, Johnny & Edgar Winter, Shelby
Foote, Hodding Carter, Jr.
Major Festivals/Events: Highway 61 Blues Festival, Greenville Arts & Crafts
Festival, Leland Crawfish Festival, Summerfest, Greenville
Celebrates America, Mississippi Delta Blues and Heritage
Festival, Greenville Balloon Festival
Tourism Office Phone Number: 662-334-2711
lIt has been said that Greenville has produced more writers per capita than any other
city in America. Pulitzer Prize winners Shelby Foote and Hodding Carter, Jr. lived and
worked in Greenville. Others include Walker Percy, William Alexander Percy, Ellen
Douglas, Ellen Gilchrist, Clifton Talbert, David Cohn, Beverly Lowry.
lThe Mississippi Delta Blues & Heritage Festival held the third Saturday in September
each year is the second oldest Blues festival in the country and is considered by Blues
lovers around the world to be “The Big One.” Jim Henson’s Kermit The Frog
For more information about Greenville-Washington County, visit www.visitgreenville.org
GrEEnViLLE - WAsHinGTon counTy continued
lThe Winterville Indian Mounds are considered to be among America’s pre-
Columbian archeological treasures. The Native Americans that built these massive
eastern structures disappeared without a trace some 400 years ago.
lMuppet creator Jim Henson was born in Greenville and was reared in
nearby Stoneville. Henson said that “Leland, Mississippi was the birthplace
of Kermit the Frog.” Henson spent boyhood days playing along the banks of
Deer Creek with a childhood friend, Kermit Scott. Those days were the
inspiration for Kermit, his most famous Muppet.
lMississippi’s oldest and largest state park, LeRoy Percy State
Park is located just west of Hollandale and is characterized by
cypress trees and ancient oaks dripping with Spanish moss.
It is Mississippi’s only state park featuring a wildlife preserve.
lThe Mississippi Welcome Center in Greenville, the Great River
Road Queen, was the Mississippi pavilion in the 1984 World’s Fair
in New Orleans. It resembles the Victorian River boats that once
ruled the Mighty Mississippi.
lWashington County is the home of the largest United States
Department of Agriculture Research Station east of the
Mississippi River. Highway 61 Blues Museum
lWashington County has a combined total of 10 museum sites.
For more information about Greenville-Washington County, visit www.visitgreenville.org
GrEEnWood
Population: 18,425
Main Industry: Viking Range Corporation
Famous Natives: Morgan Freeman, Mississippi John Hurt, Admiral
Means Johnson, Marion Barry, Bobbie Gentry, Kent Hull,
Jim Gallagher, Jr., B.B. King (born in Berclair, MS in Leflore County)
Major Festivals/Events: River to the Rails, 300 Oaks Road Race, MS Blues Fest, Greenwood - “Cotton Captial of the World”
Stars and Stripes in the Park, Bikes, Blues
and Bayous, Delta Band Festival
Tourism Office Phone Number: 800-748-9064
lGreenwood’s Cotton Row is the second largest cotton exchange in the United States and is the “Cotton Capital of the World.”
lGreenwood was the inspiration for Stephen Foster’s “Way Down Upon the Swanee River.”
lGreenwood is one of the few places in the world where you can stand between two rivers flowing in opposite directions.
lGreenwood’s Confederate Memorial Building is one of only two remaining in the United States.
lThere are 33 churches within the Greenwood city limits.
lGreenwood has been the movie location for “The Rievers,”“The Chamber,” “Crossroads,”“Mississippi Masala,”“Ode to Billy Joe,”
“Nightmare in Badam County” and “The Gun in Betty Lou’s Handbag.”
lThe state Garden Club headquarters is in Greenwood.
lThe song and movie “Ode to Billy Joe” is about Greenwood.
lMartin Luther King, Jr. made a speech in Broad Street Park.
For more information about Greenwood, visit www.greenwoodms.org
GrEEnWood continued
lThe largest bible binding plant in the nation, Norris Bookbinding, is located in Greenwood.
lViking Range Corporation, designer and maker of the first commercial style range designed for home use, is located in
Greenwood. Viking Range also operates a boutique hotel, a cooking school, several restaurants and a spa.
lGreenwood has 3 restaurants that date from the 1930s: The Crystal Grill, Lusco’s and Giardina’s.
lFamous blues musician Robert Johnson is buried 3 miles north of Greenwood.
lThree miles north of Greenwood lies Fort Pemberton, the only fort on the Yazoo River that resisted Union forces during the
Civil War.
Viking Range Corporation
Cooking School
For more information about Greenwood, visit www.greenwoodms.org
GuLfporT – HArrison counTy
Population: 71,127
Main Industries: Manufacturing, Banking, Fishing, Tourism, and Military
Famous Natives: Mahmoud Abdul-Rauf, formally known as Chris Jackson
of the NBA; Rochelle Potter-opera singer;
Lem Barney and Jerome Barkum-former NFL players
Major Festivals/Events: Spring Pilgrimage, Christmas Festival of Lights,
“Fire In the Sky” Independence Day Celebration,
Fireworks in Jones Park, 4th of July, All Harley
Memorial Day Blowout, Cruisin’ the Coast, Mardi
Gras, St. Patrick’s Day
Tourism Office Phone Numbers: 888-467-4853 or 228-896-6699
lGulfport is located on the beautiful Mississippi Gulf Coast.
lGulfport offers a variety of activities from Las Vegas style casinos and
entertainment to shopping and sightseeing.
lThe State Port at Gulfport is the largest banana importing port in the United States.
lGulfport is the home of the World’s Largest Fishing Rodeo, held each 4th
of July weekend. Shrimp Boat, Gulf of Mexico
For more information about Biloxi, visit www.gulfcoast.org
GuLfporT – HArrison counTy continued
l
Gulfport’s Lynn Meadows Discovery Center is Mississippi’s first children’s museum.
l
Gulfport has an extensive military presence–U.S. Coast Guard Station, Air Guard Training Center, Naval Construction Battalion
l
Center, U.S. Naval Retirement Home and the Veterans Affairs Medical Center.
Gulfport has five outstanding golf courses including the oldest course in the state, Great Southern Golf Club.
l
Gulfport offers ferry excursions to Ship Island, home of historic Ft. Massachusetts used during the War of 1812 and the Civil War.
l
Two Civil War Captains, one Confederate and one Union founded Gulfport.
Jefferson Davis, the only President of the Confederacy, made his last public speech in Gulfport in 1888.
l
John L. Sullivan won his undisputed world heavy weight boxing championship in a bare-knuckled fight with Paddy Ryan in
l
Gulfport in 1882.
Fort Massachusetts on Ship Island
For more information about Biloxi, visit www.gulfcoast.org
HATTiEsburG Rose Garden, University
of Southern Mississippi
Population: 44,779
Main Industry: Medical, Education
Famous Natives: Osceola McCarty, Brett Favre, Clarence Weatherspoon
Major Festivals/Events: Hubfest, Mississippi Miss Hospitality Pageant, Historic Downtown’s Victorian Candlelit Christmas
Tourism Office Phone Number: 866-4HATTIE
lCamp Shelby, home of the Mississippi Armed Forces Museum, is the largest National Guard training facility in the United States.
lThe forerunner of rock’n’roll music was called “rocking and reeling” and was first performed by musicians as early as 1929 in
Hattiesburg, according to The Rolling Stone Illustrated History Book of Rock’n’Roll. This is depicted at Hattiesburg’s official
Mississippi Blues Trail Marker.
lHattiesburg’s Longleaf Trace is a 42-mile stretch of railroad track which has been converted into a recreational trail for walking,
biking and horse-back riding and is a path that takes you back to nature when railroads ruled the countryside.
lHattiesburg is the site of the Sullivan-Kilrain fight, America’s last bare knuckle fight.
lA favorite photo opportunity, The All-American Rose Garden on the campus of the University of Southern Mississippi features
over 750 award-winning bushes.
lAn artistic masterpiece, The Spirit That Builds Mural is 167-feet of storybook history of South Mississippi, hand-painted on
sand-blasted stainless steel and suspended from the atrium of the Hattiesburg Library.
lSwing to the sounds of the Historic Saenger Theater’s original 1929
Robert Morton Pipe Organ in this elegant 1,000-seat movie
palace placed on the National Register of Historic Places.
For more information about Hattiesburg, visit www.visithattie.com
HATTiEsburG continued
Storied for its fine cuisine in numerous local, regional and national
l
publications, let your palate speak for itself as you taste some
of our local favorites which are among the best in Mississippi!
Enjoy complimentary refreshments and an unforgettable serving of
l
Hattiesburg’s hallmark hospitality at Hattie’s Hospitality
Reception in the Hattiesburg Visitors Center.
Mississippi’s Armed Forces Museum is an impressive and patriotic experience
l
featuring a “live” WWI battle trench.
With key attractions, including the MS Armed
l
Forces Museum and Historic Downtown, Hattiesburg
offers sure-bet itineraries without admission fees.
Mississippi Armed Forces Museum Cargo Helicopter
For more information about Hattiesburg, visit www.visithattie.com
HAzLEHursT
Population: 4,400
Main Industries: Timber, poultry
Famous Natives: Dr. Walter Washington, Judge Burnita Shelton Matthews,
Mary Tillman Smith, “Lipsinka” John Epperson, Lewis
Tillman, Lawrence Pillars, Robert Johnson, Blues Legend,
Judge Mablean Ephriam
Major Festivals/Events: Gospel Festival, Relay for Life, Christmas Parade,
Annual Memorial Day Service & Veterean Day Services
Tourism Office Phone Number: 601-894-3752
lHazlehurst is named for George Hazlehurst, chief engineer for the New Orleans,
Jackson and Great Northern Railway.
Hazlehurst is the site of the last railroad spike connecting Jackson to New Orleans.
l
l Hazlehurst is home to the largest employer of sight-and hearing-impaired people in
the United States.
l Hazlehurst was the setting for the play “Crimes of the Heart,” written by Beth Henley.
l Hazlehurst was the largest truck farming shipping point in the 1920’s and 1930’s.
l Site of the 1955 All Star Baseball Game between the Negro Major League All-Stars and the American
League All-Stars.
l Buildings listed on the National Register include The Cook House, The Cragon House, The Ellis House,
Robert Johnson The Wilson House, and The Depot.
Blues Trail
Marker For more information about Hazlehurst, visit www.hazlehurstmiss.com/index.htm
HErnAndo
Population: 6,812
DeSoto County Tourism Office Phone Number: 662-393-8770
Major Festivals/Events: Blue Grass Music at the Cabin, A Celebration of Art, A’Fair in Hernando, Annual Hernando
Music & Heritage Festival–This festival features national recording musical acts, arts and
crafts, children’s activities, food and a 5K run.
lCedar Hill Farm–Agritourism
lDeSoto County Confederate Monument–Historical
lDeSoto County Museum–Attraction/Historial
lGenealogical Society Library–Historical
lHistoric Hernando Courthouse–Historical
lJoseph Eckles Stoneware–Attraction
lHernando was once the wedding capital of the country.
lJames Meredith was wounded June 16, 1966 as he walked along U.S. Hwy. 51 near Hernando, during his solitary “March
Against Fear” from Memphis to Jackson.
For more information about Hernando, visit www.sodesoto.com Pumpkin Patch Picking
HoLLy sprinGs
Population: 7,957
Main Industry: Tourism
Famous Natives: Sherwood Bonner, Kate Freeman Clark, Hiram Revels, Ida B. Wells-Barnett
Major Festivals/Events: Holly Springs Pilgrimage, Kudzu Festival, Holiday Home Tour, Hummingbird Migration Celebration
North Mississippi Hills Country Picnic
Tourism Office Phone Numbers: 888-687-4765 or 662-252-2515
lHolly Springs has 273 buildings listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
lHolly Springs showcases 61 antebellum homes and four antebellum churches.
lHolly Springs is known for its architectural heritage of Greek Revival, Gothic, Queen Anne, Italianate and Victorian styles.
lIn the 1850’s, Salem Avenue was known as “Silk Stocking Row” because of all its mansions.
lUnion soldiers credited Maria Mason and her Steinway piano with saving Holly Springs from destruction because they were
entertained by Mrs. Mason, who studied music in New York under the same teacher as Union General Grierson, and the two
played duets together during his stay in Holly Springs.
Watler Place For more information about Holly Springs, visit www.visithollysprings.org
HoLLy sprinGs continued
Thirteen Confederate generals are buried in Hillcrest Cemetery.
l
Phillips Grocery, built in 1882 as a saloon across from the depot, was named one of the top three hamburger joints in the United
l
States by USA Today.
The Marshall County Historical Museum contains relics of eight wars.
l
Graceland Too, built in 1853, is the home of Paul Macleod, the “World’s Number
l
One Elvis Fan,” and contains the world’s largest private resource of
Elvis information.
Rust College, founded in 1866, was the first black college established by
l
the Methodist Episcopal Church.
The Robert Aultman film, “Cookie’s Fortune” starring Glenn Close, Charles
l
Dutton and Chris O’Donnell was filmed in Holly Springs.
Graceland Too - Home of Elvis Presley’s biggest fan
For more information about Holly Springs, visit www.visithollysprings.org
Horn LAkE
Population: 14,099
DeSoto County Tourism Office Phone Number: 662-393-8770
Major Festivals/Events: Arbor Day Celebration in the Park, Horn Lake Autumn
in the Park Festival, Fright Night–Spook Trail and
Haunted Hayrides, Horn Lake Christmas Parade
Points of Interest:
lBig Walter Horton’s Blues Marker
lElvis and Priscilla Presley’s Honeymoon Cottage
lLatimer Lakes Park
lMulligan’s Golf & Games
Big Walter Horton Blues Trail Marker
For more information about Horn Lake, visit www.sodesoto.com
indiAnoLA
Population: 12,066
Main Industry: Agriculture
Famous Natives: B.B.King, Craig Claiborne, Albert King’s birthplace
Major Festival/Event: B.B. King Homecoming Festival held first week in June
Tourism Office Phone Number: 662- 887-9539, ext. 229
lIndianola is the hometown of Riley B. King, better known as B.B. King.
lThe B.B. King Museum and Delta Interpretive Center, a 20,000 sq. ft. world class facility built around the last standing brick
cotton gin in the state, opened September 2008. www.bbkingmuseum.org
lClub Ebony, a famous juke joint, still operating serving food and music.
lThe movie “The Chamber,” based on the novel by John Grisham, was filmed in Indianola.
lCrown Foods/Taste of Gourmet specialty food products and gourmet catfish products are national award winners.
lThe Indianola Pecan House’s specialty products are sold nationwide.
lStar quarterback for Ole Miss and the New Orleans Saints, Archie Manning is from Drew, north of Indianola. Fannie Lou Hammer,
of nearby Ruleville, was a key figure in the civil rights movement.
lIndianola’s newspaper dates back to 1886.
B.B. King Museum and
Delta Interpretive Center
For more information about Indianola, visit www.indianolamstourism.org
JAckson – “ciTy WiTH souL”
Population: 184,256
Main Industry: Government
Famous Natives: Eudora Welty, Beth Henley, Margaret Walker Alexander
Major Festivals/Events: Jubilee!Jam, Celtic Fest Mississippi, Capital City Classic, Mal’s St. Paddy’s Parade & Festival, Farish
Street Heritage Festival
Tourism Office Phone Numbers: 800-354-7695 or 601-960-1827
lJackson, the capital of Mississippi, has two capitol buildings. The Old Capitol
has recently been refurbished to interpret the history of the building that
served as Mississippi’s statehouse from 1839 to 1903.
lJackson was called “Chimneyville” after being torched four times during the
Civil War.
lThe Mississippi’s Governor’s Mansion, the second oldest occupied
gubernatorial residence in the nation, is in downtown Jackson.
lJackson is the only official U.S. host city for the quadrennial USA
International Ballet Competition.
lThe first heart transplant was performed in Jackson at the University
of Mississippi Medical Center.
Governor’s Mansion
For more information about Jackson, visit www.visitjackson.com
JAckson – “ciTy WiTH souL” continued
lHome of the “Dixie National,” the largest rodeo east of the Mississippi River.
lHome of the first African-American museum in the state, Smith-Robertson Museum.
lHome of the largest gospel music recording label, Malaco Records.
lHome to the Mississippi Agriculture & Forestry Museum portraying the history of farm life in early Mississippi.
lThe former home of Medgar and Myrlie Evers is located in Jackson.
lEudora Welty House & Garden is a National Historic Landmark and one of the most intact literary homes in America.
lThe “City with Soul” has 12 historic sites along the Mississippi Blues trail.
lJackson has a unique culinary background that was influenced by the Greeks and is home to several stops along Mississippi’s
culinary trail.
Dixie National
Rodeo
Eudora Welty
Malaco Records Blues Marker
For more information about Jackson, visit www.visitjackson.com
kiLn - HAncock counTy - Mississippi’s WEsT coAsT
Population: 2040
Main Industries: Tourism/Gaming, Aerospace Industry, Arts & Antiques
Famous Natives: Brett Favre, hometown
Major Festivals/Events: Annual Blue Grass Experience, March (Hancock County Multi-Purpose Arena), Cajun Country
Spring Fest & Car Show, May (Hancock County Multi-Purpose Arena)
Tourism Office Phone Numbers: 800-466-9048 or 228-463-9222
lThe Broke Spoke, for football fans everywhere, keeper of the Brett Favre Wall
lDiscovered by French Explorer, Pierre Le Moyne d’Iberville in 1699.
lHome of NASA’s John C. Stennis Space Center and StenniSphere.
lLocated less than an hour east of New Orleans, Louisiana.
For more information about
Kiln - Hancock County - Mississippi’s West Coast,
visit www.mswestcoast.org NASA–John C. Stennis Space Center
kosciusko
Population: 7,372
Main Industries: Clothing, Office Products
Famous Native: Charlie Musselwhite, Oprah Winfrey
Major Festivals/Events: Natchez Trace Festival, June Jam, Central Mississippi Fair, Aisle of Honor
Tourism Office Phone Number: 662-289-2981
lKosciusko boasts the only Natchez Trace Festival from Natchez to Nashville.
lOn the Mississippi Blues Trail (Charlie Musselwhite)
lThe birthsite of Oprah Winfrey and the church where she performed her first recitation are located in Kosciusko.
lKosciusko Museum/Information Center is located at milepost 160 on the Natchez Trace Parkway.
lEach year, the Aisle of Honor is held on Veterans Day and Memorial Day.
For more information about Kosciusko,
visit www.kadcorp.org
Charlie Musselwhite Blues Trail Marker
LAurEL
Population: 18,393
Main Industries: Poultry, Electrical Supplies, Oil, Wood Products
Famous Natives: Leontyne Price, Ralph Boston, Tom Lester, Ray Walston
Major Festivals/Events: Day In The Park, Ellisville Rotary Festival, Kiwanis Pancake Day, Main Street Festival, Mother’s Day
Blues Festival, Sertoma of Laurel Christmas Parade, South Mississippi Fair
Tourism Office Phone Number: 601-428-0574
lLaurel was founded in 1882.
lWilliam Mason came to Laurel in the early 1920’s and in 1926 discovered hardboard.
lWilliam Mason also established the Mason Fibre Company for the production of his new discovery. It was renamed
Masonite Corporation.
lLaurel’s Central Historic District is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
lLaurel is the home of the Lauren Rogers Museum of Art which contains an outstanding collection of paintings and sculpture.
This was Mississippi’s first art museum.
lThe museum also contains the world’s largest collection of handmade baskets.
lThe Laurel Little Theater produces four to five plays annually and brings nationally acclaimed artists each year.
lStep back in time and enjoy a walking tour of the past at Landrum’s Homestead and Village.
lOne of the largest custom foundries in the southwestern United States, Laurel Machine and Foundry.
lThe largest manufacturers of electric distribution transformers, Howard Industries, Inc., which is also in the transportation,
electronic ballast and personal computer manufacturing business.
For more information about Laurel, visit www.jonescounty.com Landrum’s Homestead and Village
LonG bEAcH - HArrison counTy
Population: 17,320
Main Industries: Small Industry, Education, Tourism
Famous Natives: Hale Boggs-former U.S. Congressman, Richard Bennett-Representative, Mississippi Legislature, Gerald
McRaney-Attended and graduated from Long Beach High School, Gary Rath-Baseball player with the
Minor Leagues, Sylvia Corban-Local artist, Terryl Bectol-“Bubba” the comedian
Major Festivals/Events: Long Beach Festival, Kite Fest, Cruisin’ the Coast Parade and Block Party for the kick off ,
Christmas in the Park, Mardi Gras Parade
Tourism Office Phone Numbers: 888-467-4853 or 228-896-6699
lLong Beach is located on the beautiful Mississippi Gulf Coast.
lLong Beach is known for being the “Friendly City” and for its sandy beaches.
lThe 500 year old Friendship Oak is in Long Beach. Legend is “all who pass under its’ branches shall remain friends for life.”
lLong Beach also has the “Hunter Oak”, which is older than the Friendship Oak and is located on the grounds of the South MS
Regional Center.
lThe University of Southern Mississippi-Gulf Park campus (1921) is in Long Beach. It is located on the former site of Gulf Park
College for Women.
lLong Beach has a recreational harbor.
lLong Beach was the “Radish Capital” of America at the beginning of the 1900’s.
lWolf River is a scenic Mississippi waterway that curves through Long Beach and is enjoyed by many outdoor enthusiasts.
lTriton Industries, located in Long Beach, is the second largest manufacturer of Automated Teller Machines (ATM).
lThe Long Beach school system is ranked among the top in Mississippi.
lLong Beach High School Concert Choir has performed internationally, including at the Vatican in 2007.
For more information about Long Beach-Harrison County, visit www.gulfcoast.org Long Beach Coastline
MAGnoLiA
Population: 2071
Main Industries: Medical, Wood Processing, Windows & Aluminum Doors, Paper
Major Festivals/Events: Annual Mardi Gras Festival & Parade, Magnolia Anthology: A Cemetery Play, Garden Club’s
Annual Flower Show, Confederate Memorial Day Ceremony, May in Magnolia includes an Antique
& Craft Fair, Historic Cemetery Tour, Pilgrimage Tour of Historic Homes, Magnolia Porches: Tasting
Tea, “Crypt Tales on the Square,” Annual “Taste of Magnolia”
Tourism Office Phone Number: 601-684-8664 x106
lMagnolia, named by early settler Mary Sinnott due to number of large beautiful Magnolia trees here, is the County Seat for Pike
County, Mississippi, and has the most Industry per capita designation, with over 50 structures on the National Historical Register.
lVisit the historic homes of: Walter M. Lampton – major benefactor in establishing “Beauvoir” in Biloxi, MS, at Confederate
Veteran’s Hospital and as a shrine to Jefferson Davis, the only Confederate President.; Judge James H. Price, the only Mississippi
State Supreme Court Justice buried in Pike County; three of Mississippi’s premier Queen Anne Mansions.
lThe Cemetery has a wealth of history. You will find Will Price – ex-husband of actress Maureen O’Hara, technical director of
“Gone with the Wind” and dialogue director of “Hunchback of Notre Dame,” buried here; as well as Confederate Brigadier General
Evander McNair and the “Central House” Confederate Hospital dead are buried here.
lNotable Mississippi architect C.H. Lindsey designed Neo-Classical Home for Judge James H. Price.
lMississippi Garden Clubs voted Magnolia the “Cleanest Town in Mississippi” of its size.
For more information about Magnolia, visit www.DiscoverMcComb.com
MccoMb Quail Hollow Golf Course
Population: 13,337
Main Industries: Wood Processing, Poultry, Windows & Aluminum Doors, Paper
Famous Natives: Bo Diddley, Brandy Norwood, Paul Ott, William Campbell, Hugh White, Jerry Clower
Major Festivals/Events: The Azalea Festival (Spring), The Camellia City Iron Horse Festival (Fall)
Tourism Office Phone Number: 601-684-8664
lMcComb is named for Colonel Henry McComb–president of the Old New Orleans Railroad, Great Northern Railroad and later the
Illinois Central Railroad.
lMcComb became known as the Camellia City of America when an elderly woman known as Aunt Caroline harvested the finest
camellias around which were sold throughout the United States.
lPike County was named for Brigadier General Zebulon Pike.
lActress Maureen O’Hara was married at St. Mary of the Pines, in Chatawa, to McComb native Will Price.
lTheodore Roosevelt visited McComb in 1916.
lComedian Jerry Clower’s museum is 10 miles west of McComb and is open for tours by appointment. Jerry Clower was born in
nearby Liberty.
lArthur Hills designed Quail Hollow Championship Golf Course located in Percy Quin State Park.
lDuring World War II, McComb had as many as 240 trains a day go through McComb Railroad Yards.
lGodbold Wells Spa attracted as many as 8,000 people a day for special events at the turn of the century.
lDan Tyler wrote the song “20 Years Ago” about growing up in McComb for singer Kenny Rogers.
lOn Thursday, October 20, 1977, the rock group Lynyrd Skynyrd, crashed southwest of McComb killing six and injuring 23.
For more information about McComb, visit www.discovermccomb.com
MEridiAn
Population: 39,968
Main Industries: Health Care, Naval Air Station
Famous Natives: Jimmie Rodgers, Sela Ward, Hartley Peavey
Major Festivals/Events: State Games of Mississippi, Merry Meridian Merrehope Trees of Christmas, Three-Foot Art
Festival, Soule’Live Steam Fest/RailFest, Jimmie Rodgers Festival
Tourism Office Phone Number: 888-868-7720 or 601-482-8001
lMeridian is the birthplace of Jimmie Rodgers, the “Father of Country Music.” The Jimmie Rodgers
Museum is located in Highland Park.
lThe Highland Park Dentzel Carousel, the world’s only two-row stationary Dentzel menagerie, is located in Meridian.
lMeridian is the home of the world-famous Peavey Electronics, the largest
manufacturer of musical equipment and instruments in the world.
lWeidmann’s Restaurant has been open since 1870.
lThe Key Brother’s, Fred and Al Key, flew their plane to a world
endurance record in the 1930’s and were the pioneers of
mid-air refueling.
lIn Meridian’s Rose Hill Cemetery are the graves of Emil and Kelly
Mitchell, King and Queen of all the Gypsies in the United States.
lAfter the Civil War, famed hat maker John B. Stetson learned and
practiced his trade at Dunn’s Fall near Meridian. His famous
creation is known simply as “The Stetson.”
For more information about Meridian, visit www.visitmeridian.com The Dentzel Carousel
l Meridian’s grand opera house built in 1889, fully restored in 2006,
now houses The MSU Riley Center, a performing arts,
conference and educational center bringing a diverse array of
exceptional experiences to the region once again.
l Meridian’s grand opera house built in 1889, fully restored in 2006,
now houses The MSU Riley Center, a performing arts,
conference and educational center bringing a diverse array of
exceptional experiences to the region once again.
For more information about Meridian, visit www.visitmeridian.com
The Mississippi State University Riley Center
nATcHEz
Population: 18,464
Main Industries: Tourism, Manufacturing
Famous Natives: Linda Lee Meade, Bud Scott, Ellen Douglas, Glen Ballard, Richard Wright, Greg Isles
Major Festivals/Events: Annual Fall & Spring Pilgrimages, Natchez Literary & Cinema Celebration, Mardi Gras Natchez
Style, Pow Wow at the Grand Village of the Natchez Indians, Natchez Blues Fest, Natchez Music
Festival , Symphony of Gardens Tour, Natchez Food & Wine Festival, Great Mississippi River
Phatwater Kayak Race, Great Mississippi River
Balloon Race, Art & Soul, Copper Magnolia
Festival, Angels on the Bluff Cemetery Tour,
Christmas In Natchez
Tourism Office Phone Numbers: 800-647-6724 or 601-446-6345
lNatchez is the oldest permanent settlement on the Mississippi River.
lNatchez boasts the largest collection of antebellum structures in the United States.
lThe famous “Bowie Knife” was immortalized on a sandbar in Natchez.
lNatchez was the first state capital of Mississippi Territory.
lAdams County, which is the oldest Mississippi county, was organized in 1799.
lNatchez is the bed and breakfast capital of the South.
lBefore the outbreak of the Civil War, Natchez was home
to 11 millionaires (only 75 existed in America.)
Mississippi River Bridge
For more information about Natchez, visit www.visitnatchez.org
nATcHEz continued
Natchez is home to Longwood, the largest octagonal
l
home in North America.
Natchez is the most inland city visited by a first-class battleship,
l
The USS Mississippi, built in 1909.
Natchez National Park Service maintains three historic
l
properties–Melrose, the William Johnson House
and Fort Rosalie.
Natchez is home to Natchez Under-the-Hill, the Grand Village
l
of the Natchez Indians, Jefferson Military College, Antique Row,
antebellum home tours, carriage tours and excellent
regional cuisine.
Casino gaming with two casinos
l
Longwood Plantation
For more information about Natchez, visit www.visitnatchez.org
nEsbiT
Population: 6,767
DeSoto County Tourism Office Phone Number: 662-393-8770
lGus Cannon’s Grave (future Blues Marker)
lJerry Lee Lewis’ Home
lJoe Callicot’s Grave (future Blues Marker)
lMerry Christmas Tree Farm & Holiday House
lNesbit Blueberry Plantation
Bonne Terre Country Inn and Café
For more information about Nesbit, visit www.sodesoto.com
nEW ALbAny
Population: 7,607
Main Industry: Furniture Manufacturing
Famous Natives: William Faulkner
Major Festivals/Events: Down From the Hills Fiddling Championship,
Relay for Life, Freedom Celebration, Heritage
Pioneer Days Tallahatchie, RiverFest, Mississippi
on Wheels Classic Car Show
Tourism Office Phone Numbers: 888-534-8232 or 662-534-4354
lNew Albany was organized in 1840 on the Tallahatchie River. Hell Creek Wildlife
lNew Albany is the birthplace of Nobel Prize winning author, William Faulkner. Management Area
lHome of Morris Futorian, father of the Northeast Mississippi furniture industry.
lIshtehotopah, the last king of the Chickasaw nation, and signer of the Treaty of Pontotoc, was from Union County.
lGayle Kirkpatrick, nationally known fashion designer, and winner of the Coty award, is a New Albany native.
lHome of Ingomar Indian Mounds, and the Ingomar Mounds Archeological Event, is the largest Native American mound in North
Mississippi and on the National Historical register.
lChickasaw Trail, an early Indian trail traveled by Meriwether Lewis and others, from prehistoric times until the development of
the public road system.
lThe Union County Heritage Museum, an affiliate of the Mississippi Museum of Art, features fossils from the area’s rich deposits of
the Cretaceous and Ice Age Periods.
For more information about New Albany, visit www.ucda-newalbany.com
nEW ALbAny continued
The Faulkner Literary Gardens, located at the Union County Heritage Museum, consists of all floras that William Faulkner
l
mentions in his novels.
New Albany is part of the Mississippi Blues Trail with two Blues Markers. One is the Mosley and Johnson Band and Billy Ball.
l
The second is for Elder Roma Wilson and Leon Pinson, both of whom are Smithsonian Folk Life Award winners.
Birthplace of Bobby Wood, songwriter and a member of the Memphis Boys studio band, playing for Elvis Presley, Neil Diamond,
l
and Garth Brooks. The Memphis Boys are members of the Musician
Hall of Fame.
Birthplace of former Houston Rockets Basketball team member,
l
John Stroud, and Eli Whiteside, member of the Baltimore Orioles.
The historic downtown includes the Union County Courthouse,
l
City Hall and many National Historic Landmarks.
Union County is home of the newest Toyota Plant in North America.
l
Future home of the Tanglefoot Trail-44.5 mile bike trail from
l
New Albany to Houston.
Mosley and Johnson Blues Trail Marker
For more information about New Albany, visit www.ucda-newalbany.com
ocEAn sprinGs
Population: 17,225
Main Industries: Education, Health Care
Famous Native: Walter Anderson, artist
Major Festivals/Events: Herb and Garden Fest, Art Walk,
Peter Anderson Arts & Crafts Festival
Tourism Office Phone Number: 228-875-4424
lHighest per capita income in Mississippi
lEstablished in 1699; one of the oldest cities in the United States
lPublic school system consistently ranked in the top five in the state
lHome of internationally recognized Walter Anderson Museum of Art
lHome of Peter Anderson Festival, one of the Southeast Tourism Society’s
top 20 events
lMississippi headquarters of Gulf Islands Seashore
lCorporate headquarters of Blossman Gas and Gulf National Life
lHome of the first female chief of police in the state Watler Anderson Gallery
lJohn Ruskin Oak, estimated to be more than 500 years old
lFirst city in the state to have curb side recycling
lChosen as a Top Ten Cottage Community by Cottage Living Magazine.
lChosen as one of the Eight Greatest Places You’ve Never Heard of by Mother Earth News
For more information about Ocean Springs, visit www.oceanspringschamber.com
okoLonA
Population: 3,056
Main Industry: Upholstered Furniture
Famous Natives: William Raspberry, Tim Bowens, Milam (Bunny) Williams of Commodores, U.S. Congressman
Thomas Abernathy
Major Festivals/Events: Okolona Fall Festival, Civil War Battle Re-enactment
Tourism Office Phone Number: 662-447-5913
lOkolona is called the “Little City That Does Big Things” because during WWII, Okolona was the first city in the U.S. to sell its
allotment of war bonds.
lOkolona has a Civil War soldier’s cemetery.
lOkolona has a beautiful golf course and country club. It is located 5 miles from Tombigbee National Forest and Davis Lake.
lThe Tombigbee Waterway is located 10 miles from Okolona.
lT&S Mini Ranch, six miles from Okolona, has many exotic animals.
lOkolona has many beautiful old church buildings and homes built in the late 1800’s and early 1900’s, currently seeking National
Historic District status.
lOkolona has several furniture retail outlet stores
lOkolona has a Civil War Battle of Okolona site.
lAn annual Fourth of July rodeo is held at Eden Farms.
For more information about Okolona, visit www.okolona.org
oLiVE brAncH
Population: 21,504
Major Festivals/Events: Classic Car & Flywheel Tractor, Mayfest Arts & Crafts Fair and Music Festival, Olive Branch Old
Towne Opry, Hootenannies at Pigeon Roost Plaza, Brussel’s Bonsai Nursery Annual Rendezvous,
The Annual July 4th “Celebrate Your Independence,” Oktoberfest
Tourism Office Phone Number: 662-393-8770
lBrussel’s Bonsai Nursery – Largest Importer and grower of Bonsai in the Nation.
lOlive Branch Old Towne
lWesson House
lOlive Branch Airport
Brussel’s Bonsai Nursery
For more information about Olive Branch, visit www.sodesoto.com
osykA
Population: 496
Main Industries: Timber Industry
Famous Natives: Paul Ott (childhood residence), Britney Spears who visits her family & friends in
Osyka. She grew up just across the state line, a couple of miles from Osyka.
Major Festivals & Events: Osyka Fall Festival
Tourism Office Phone Number: 601-684-8664 x106
lHistoric Osyka – settled in 1812 and chartered in 1858, is rich with 150 years of history. It is the “Gateway to Mississippi”.
lOsyka has the most WWII commissioned officers per capita in the US and holds the title of having the first railroad in Mississippi
(1852), and the first Masonic Lodge in Mississippi (1868), and the first public library in Pike County. In its heyday, Osyka had
a cotton gin, 9 grocery stores, and 4 brickyards, 7 antebellum homes, 23 historic homes and buildings.
lHome of Nyla’s Burger Basket – Britney Spears favorite restaurant
lPlaces of interest include Lilybird Lodge B&B with room for plenty, the Osyka Veterans Park, a tribute to Osyka area men and
women who served in our armed forces.
lOsyka’s history dates back to 1812, when Jesse Redmond, who is today considered its founder, arrived here from the East Coast.
Jesse traveled to Mississippi Territory and settled in what is the East side of Osyka, near the Tangipahoa River. He fought with
Andrew Jackson at the Battle of New Orleans. He married Elizabeth Calter in 1825 and reared his children in Osyka.
lThe name Osyka comes from Miss Osyka. Legend has it that this Choctaw Indian princess died and was buried near Gardner
Springs, located near Tate Ott’s pasture. Her father, a Choctaw Chief, asked the founding Fathers to name the
town in her honor. Osyka means “Soaring Eagle” in Choctaw.
For more information about Philadelphia/Choctaw www.osyka.org
oxford
Population: 11,756
Main Industry: Education
Famous Natives: John Grisham, William Faulkner, Theora Hamblett, Larry Brown
Major Festival/Event: Annual Conference for the Book, Oxford Double Decker Arts Festival
Tourism Office Phone Numbers: 800-758-9177 or 662-232-2367
lRowan Oak, home of Nobel Prize-winning author William Faulkner, is located in Oxford.
lOxford is home to the University of Mississippi and the Ole Miss Rebels.
lUniversity Blues Archive is the world’s most extensive collection of blues recordings B.B. King’s personal collection and
related material.
lThe J.E. Neilson Company Department store, circa 1897, is the oldest
continually operated store in the South and the 16th oldest in
the nation.
lThe historic downtown square includes Lafayette County
Courthouse, City Hall and National Historic Landmarks.
lCivil Rights movement (James Meredith).
Square Books
For more information about Oxford, visit www.oxfordcvb.com
pAss cHrisTiAn - HArrison counTy
Population: 6,579
Main Industries: Technology, Tourism
Famous Native: Robin Roberts-former sports commentator (ESPN) & Good Morning America co-host
Major Festivals/Events: St. Paul Mardi Gras Parade, St. Patrick’s Walking Parade, Spring Pilgrimage, Blessing of the Fleet,
Tour of Homes, Jazz in the Pass, Seafood Festival, Christmas in the Pass, Collage of Arts, Celebrate
the Gulf
Tourism Office Phone Numbers: 888-467-4853 or 228-896-6699
lPass Christian is located on the beautiful Mississippi Gulf Coast.
lThe Pass Christian Yacht Club, built in 1849, is the second oldest in North America.
lHistoric downtown Pass Christian includes antiques, crafts, restaurants and narrow streets made for leisurely strolls.
lNumerous antebellum and fine old homes listed in the National Register of Historic
Places are located in Pass Christian along Scenic Drive.
lPass Christian was the original site of the first lighthouse built in Mississippi in 1831.
lPass Christian offers a picturesque commercial harbor filled with boats that dredge
the offshore oyster reefs and drag their nets for shrimp.
lMuse, Bourdin is a museum-in-a-plumbing shop with thousands of photographs on display
and hundreds of catalogued heritage items on people, places, and events of Pass Christian.
lThe longest operating newspaper on the Mississippi Coast, the Tarpon-Beacon,
started in 1880 and closed in 1993, was printed in Pass Christian.
Blessing of
For more information about Pass Christian, visit www.gulfcoast.org the Fleet
pHiLAdELpHiA/cHocTAW – nEsHobA counTy
Population: 26,975
Main Industries: Tourism, Lumber, Poultry, Manufacturing, Construction, Retail
Famous Natives: Marty Stuart, Otis Rush, Olivia Williams Manning (wife of NFL QB
Archie Manning), Marilee Summers (wife of John Lear of Lear
Jets), Former Secretary of State Dick Molpus, O.D. McKee
(founder and CEO of Little Debbie Cakes & Snacks), Marcus
Dupree, Fred McAfee, Derrick Hoskins, Tyron Rush, Tim Edwards,
Donald Culberson, Pashen Thompson
Major Festivals/Events: Professional Cowboy Association Finals Rodeo,
Ham Jam, Neshoba County Classic, Choctaw Indian Fair,
Neshoba County Fair, Heart O’Dixie Triathlon,
OctoberFest
Tourism Contact Information: 601-656-1000
lIn 1837 Philadelphia was selected as the county seat and chartered in 1841
lEarly 1900’s railroad established and brought new prosperity
lBusiness owners developed square and built homes not far from the stores Cabins at the Neshoba County Fair
lHome to 2 unique fairs held in July, Choctaw Indian Fair since 1950 and Neshoba
County Fair since 1889
lNeshoba is derived from an Indian word meaning “wolf”
For more information about Philadelphia/Choctaw - Neshoba County, visit www.neshoba.org
pHiLAdELpHiA/cHocTAW – nEsHobA counTy
lCounty is rich in natural beauty and has strong history
lMississippi Band of Choctaw Indian Reservation headquarters is located
6 miles west of Philadelphia: www.choctaw.org
lAfrican American Heritage: Journey was paved by sacrifice, pain, suffering,
and even death of three civil rights workers, Schwerner, Chaney, and
Goodman. Self guided tour or request for tour guide.
lNeshoba County Coliseum, most versatile multi-purpose facility in
East Mississippi, the perfect place for any number of events
lPeggy’s Restuant has been part of Philadelphia’s weekday lunch for 40 years.
Peggy’s style of cooking consists of chicken fried in cast iron Dutch ovens.
lWilliams Brothers General Store: established in 1907, groceries, shoes, clothing, Silver Star Casino
farm needs such as fence posts, feed and grain are in the inventory
lOtis Rush: Blues Train Marker at Philadelphia Historic Depot
lPeggy’s Restuant has been part of Philadelphia’s weekday lunch for 40 years.
Peggy’s style of cooking consists of chicken fried in cast iron Dutch ovens.
lWilliams Brothers General Store: established in 1907, groceries, shoes, clothing,
farm needs such as fence posts, feed and grain are in the inventory
lOtis Rush: Blues Train Marker at Philadelphia Historic Depot
For more information about Philadelphia/Choctaw - Neshoba County, visit www.neshoba.org
picAyunE
Population: 10,535
Main Industries: Manufacturing, Timber Industry
Famous Native: Jonathan Bender
Major Festivals/Events: Picayune Street Fair, Christmas in The Park; Christmas Pilgrimage;
Easter Egg Drop at the Airport, Trade Days every 1st Saturday
Tourism Office Phone Numbers: 601-798-3122
lPicayune was founded in 1904 and was named in honor of a resident who
was the editor of the Times Picayune.
lA “picayune” was a Spanish coin used in the 1800’s and worth 6 1/4 cents.
lPicayune is located one hour’s drive from downtown New Orleans, Hattiesburg
and the Mississippi Gulf Coast.
lThe Crosby Arboretum, a 64-acre educational native plant center,
features the famed Pinecote Pavilion.
lPaul’s Pastry, home of the original cream cheese “King Cake”, distributes nationally.
lThe Shay, a rare wood-burning gear driving locomotive, is displayed in downtown Pinecote Pavilion, Crosby Arboretum
Picayune, along with two POP cars (working RR cars).
lPicayune has many unique antique and specialty shops offering art, collectibles, furniture, refinishing and florals.
lNumerous outdoor activities include golfing, hunting, fishing, and horseback riding are available in Picayune.
lAn excellent place for small conventions.
For more information about Picayune, visit www.picayunechamber.org
porT Gibson (cLAibornE counTy)
Population: 1,810
Main Industries: Timber, Nuclear Power
Famous Natives: Irwin Russell, Henry Hughes, General Earl Van Doren, CSA
Major Festivals/Events: Heritage Festival
Tourism Office Phone Number: 601-437-4351
lClaiborne County has Native American mound sites that date from 7000 B.C.
lPort Gibson is the third oldest incorporated town in Mississippi.
lClaiborne County has the first land grant college for African-Americans in the United States, Alcorn State University.
lPort Gibson was spared by General Grant in 1863, who proclaimed the town was “too beautiful to burn.”
lPort Gibson houses the First Presbyterian Church with the 10-foot gilded hand pointing to heaven.
lClaiborne County is home to the “Ruins of Windsor,” the largest plantation home ever built in Mississippi.
lClaiborne County was the staging area for General Grant’s Vicksburg Campaign during the Civil War.
lThe Englesing Home in Port Gibson has the first formal garden in Mississippi.
lPort Gibson was home of Irwin Russell, the first poet to write in Negro dialect.
lPort Gibson has the oldest existing Jewish Temple in Mississippi, Gemiluth Chassed, circa 1891.
lClaiborne County is the location of the state’s first and only nuclear power plant.
lMississippi Cultural Crossroads displays the only European/African-American quilts show in Mississippi.
lGrand Gulf’s Civil War Park and Museum houses thousands of unique artifacts and two
battlefield fortifications.
lPort Gibson was the home of Henry Hughes, the first American sociologist.
Steeple of First
For more information about Port Gibson, visit www.portgibsononthemississippi.com Presbyterian Church
porTErViLLE
Population: 250
Main Industry: Hunting
Tourism Office Phone Number: 601-743-2754
lTimberview Lodge, located two miles from Porterville, is one of America’s
most beautiful rustic lodges and conference facilities.
lChapel Hill Church, one mile west of Porterville, is a 100-year-old
church built of native stone.
lJack Webb’s General Store is still much the same as it was during the 1930’s.
For more information about Porterville,
visit www.kempercounty.com Hunting - Favorite Mississippi Pasttime
QuiTMAn
Population: 2463
Main Industry: Manufacturing (Styrofoam containers)
Famous Native: Antonio McDyess (NBA Player)
Major Festival/Event: Clarke County Forestry & Wildlife Festival
Tourism Office Phone Number: (601) 776-5701
lNamed after second chancellor of state, General John A. Quitman.
lOfficially recognized by Mississippi legislature in 1839.
lFirst settler of Quitman was General John Watts.
lOfficial charter was given in 1901. Archusa State Park
lHome of famous “healing waters” of Archusa Springs.
lArchusa Water Park is located within city limits of Quitman.
lQuitman’s natural resources include timber, oil and water.
lClarke County Courthouse and Confederate Monument are principal architectural landmarks of the county seat.
lQuitman is the home of Confederate Memorial Cemetery.
lQuitman serves as the county seat for Clarke County.
For more informaiton about Quitman, visit www.visitclarkecounty.com
ridGELAnd
Population: 20,173
Main Industry: Light Industry
Famous Natives: Gail Pittman, Faith Hill
Major Festivals/Events: Natchez Trace Century Ride, Dragon Boat Regatta,
KidFest! Ridgeland, Pepsi Pops, Celebrate America
Balloon Glow, Viking Classic, Heat Wave Classic Triathlon
Tourism Office Phone Numbers: 800-468-6078; 601-605-5252
lMore than 200 retail stores and specialty shops at Northpark Mall
and the Renaissance at Colony Park.
lArt galleries, local boutiques and specialty stores.
lRidgeland has over 140 restaurants ranging from casual to fine dining.
lNatchez Trace Parkway–A national scenic by-way and
All-American Road that stretches 444
miles from Natchez, Mississippi to Nashville, Tennessee
lViking Cooking School featuring local chefs and their favorite recipes.
l33,000 acre man-made Ross Barnett Reservoir is perfect for outdoor activities.
lMississippi Crafts Center on the Natchez Trace featuring the works of 150 Mississippi artisans.
lAntique Mall of the South–the largest antique mall in Central Mississippi.
lAndrew Jackson and his army stayed in Ridgeland enroute to the Battle of New Orleans.
Natchez Trace Parkwayy
For more information about Ridgeland, visit www.visitridgeland.org
souTHAVEn
Population: 28,977
DeSoto County Tourism Office Phone Numbers: 662-393-8770
Major Festivals/Events: Southaven Easter Egg Hunt , Southaven Springfest, The Southaven July 4th Celebration,
Dizzy Dean World Series, Tri-State Blues Festival, Mississippi RiverKings Hockey Season,
lDeSoto Civic Center
lDeSoto Family Theatre
lSnowden Grove Park
lBancorpSouth Sports Center
lSnowden Grove Amphitheater
lKidz Kountry Petting Zoo
lSouthaven Performing Arts Center
Memphis Minnie Grave Marker
For more information about Southaven,
visit www.sodesoto.com
sTArkViLLE
Population: 21,869
Main Industries: Candles, Textiles, Dairy, Motors, Furniture, Tourism,
Aerospace & Engineering, Culinary, Arts
Famous Natives: James Thomas “Papa” Bell, Hayes Jones, Richard E. Holmes
Major Festivals/Events: Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, Cotton District Arts Festival,
Magnolia Independent Film Festival, Art in the Garden,
Everything Garden Expo, Bulldog Bash–largest
outdoor concert in the state, Ragtime Music Festival
Tourism Office Phone Numbers: 800-649-8687 or 662-323-3322
lFounded in 1831 as Boardtown, the town later changed its name to Starkville after
General John Stark, a hero in the American Revolution.
lHome to Mississippi State University, the state’s largest university with 17,000 students.
lBricks from Old Main dormitory were used to build the Chapel of Memories on the Chapel of Memories
campus of Mississippi State University. Mississippi State University
lOn MSU’s campus, a sycamore tree, located on the corner beside the stoplight in front of
Dorman Hall, was sent to the moon on an Apollo mission as a sapling. It was then brought back to MSU and later planted at
the home plate on the site of the old baseball field.
For more information about Starkville, visit www.starkville.org
sTArkViLLE continued
lStarkville and Mississippi State are home to Templeton Music Museum and Archives–a collection of vintage phonographs and
instruments, including a player piano.
lMississippi State University’s first Bully (bulldog) mascot is buried beneath the 50-yard-line of the university’s football field,
Scott Field.
lStarkville has several historic districts with sites listed on the National Register; home of the Cotton District, the most photo
graphed area in the city; Starkville’s downtown district has
maintained its original charm and character accented by its
wagon-high sidewalks.
l Starkville boasts one of the rare examples of Steamboat Gothic
design in Mississippi as evident in the Caragen House.
l Starkville and MSU are home to the John Grisham Room.
l T-Ball first started in Starkville and was invented and promoted
by a Rotarian member.
“Bully” statue, mascot for
Mississippi State University
For more information about Starkville, visit www.starkville.org
suMMiT
Population: 1,480
Main Industries: Plastic, Education, Poultry, Wood, Retail & Service
Famous Natives: J.J. White, Journalist “Hacksaw” Mary Cain, Halcyone Barnes, Bess Dawson Ruth Atkinson, Maries Hull,
Charles Otken, Curtis Wilkie, Paul Ellzey “Scoop” Atkinson, Charlie Hewitt, Paul Ott
Major Festivals Events: Annual Summit Artists Art Show, FallFest , Fall Home Tour and Cemetery Tour
Tourism Office Phone Number: (601) 684-8664 x106
lSummit was known as a resort spa during the heyday of Godbold Mineral Wells, circa late 1800s.
lSummit is now known for its great number of Victorian and antebellum homes, historic shopping district and tree-lined
residential areas.
For more information about Summit, visit www.DiscoverMcComb.com
TisHoMinGo counTy
Population: 19,000
Main Industry: Steel clusters
Famous Native: John M. Stone
Major Festivals/Events: J.P. Coleman State Park & Tishomingo State Park Dulcimer Days, Iuka Heritage Day, Belmont Beal
Creek Festival, Burnsville Waterway Festival, Tishomingo 4th of July Street Dance, Trash &
Treasures on the Tenn-Tom
Tourism Office Phone Numbers: 800-386-4373 or 662-423-0051
lIuka is the highest point in Mississippi.
lAqua Yacht Harbor located north of Iuka has the 3rd largest freshwater
Marina in the USA.
lTishomingo County has more water frontage than any other county in
Mississippi with over 50,000 acres of water and the Tenn-Tom Waterway.
lThe Tishomingo County school system is ranked among the top in Mississippi.
lOutdoor recreation is one of the best assets in Tishomingo County with two state
Parks (J.P.Coleman State Park and Tishomingo State Park).
l The old Tishomingo County Courthouse was once the marriage capital of the south.
Bear Creek Canyon, Tishomingo State Park
For more information about Tishomingo, visit www.tishomingo.org
TunicA
Population: 1,132
Main Industries: Casino Gaming, Tourism, Farming
Major Festival/Event: Rivergate Festival, Delta Days
Tourism Office Phone Number: 888-488-6422
lIn 1992, there were only 20 hotel rooms in Tunica County. Currently,
there are over 6,300 hotel rooms.
lThere are numerous Las Vegas-style casinos in Tunica County.
lThere are over 12 acres of gaming in Tunica County.
lThere are 3,000 acres of catfish ponds in Tunica County, which produce
about 10,000,000 pounds of catfish a year – approximately 4% of
Tunica RiverPark
the total production in the state.
lTunica has 15,000 acres of wheat, 26,000 acres of rice, 25,000 acres of cotton,
120,000 acres of soybeans, 4000 acres of Milo and 10,000 acres of corn.
lIn Tunica County you will find Blues Markers dedicated to blues legends James Cotton, Son House and Harold” Hardface” Clanton
lOther blues legends who have called Tunica County their home are Robert Johnson, Willie Brown and Isaiah “Dr.” Ross.
lThere are five state-of-the-art entertainment complexes in Tunica.
lTunica is the home of the Casino Factory Shoppes and Outlet Mall.
For more information about Tunica, visit www.tunicamiss.com
TupELo
Population: 34,211
Main Industries: Manufacturing, Health Care
Famous Native: Elvis Presley
Major Festivals/Events: Gumtree Festival, Elvis Presley Festival, Film Festival Blue Suede Cruise
Tourism Office Phone Number: 800-533-0611
lTupelo is named after the native Tupelo Gum Tree.
lTupelo honey is the purest, sweetest honey in the world.
lTupelo was the first city in the nation to provide inexpensive power through TVA.
lThe Tupelo Furniture Market is one of the largest furniture markets in the nation.
lTupelo is the birthplace of Elvis Presley.
lTupelo is the headquarters for the historic Natchez Trace Parkway.
lTupelo was named an “All American City” by the National Civic League in 1967, 1989 and 1999.
lTupelo is the home of the Private John Allen National Fish Hatchery.
lOren Dunn City Museum showcases Northeast Mississippi’s colorful history.
lTupelo Elvis Presley Birthplace has just acquired the church that the
Presley’s attended when he lived here and has added it a part of the park.
lBancorpSouth Arena has hosted some of the biggest names in
show business including the Eagles, Reba McEntire, Michael Bolton, Rod Stewart and Elton John.
For more information aboutTupelo, visit www.tupelo.net Birthplace of Elvis Presley
VicksburG
Population: 26,407
Main Industries: Tourism, Agriculture and Army Corp of Engineers
Famous Natives: Jefferson Davis, Emma Balfour, Joseph Biedenharn, Willie Dixon, Myrlie Evers-Williams,
Beah Richards, actress
Major Festivals/Events: Homes and Hallways of History, Riverfest, Vicksburg’s Run Through History, Over The River Run
Tourism Office Phone Number: 800-221-3536
lThe Vicksburg National Military Park, 1,800 acres, was the site of the 47-day Siege of Vicksburg in 1863. It includes over 1,300
monuments many of which were designed by the leading artist of the early 1900’s and cast by America’s leading foundries. The
park is also home to the USS Cairo, an ironclad Civil War gunboat.
lVicksburg offers licensed Vicksburg National Military Park Guides that have made history come alive since the 1950’s offering a
unique opportunity to explore the battlefield and the city
lVicksburg is located at the convergence of the Yazoo and Mississippi Rivers
lVicksburg is Mississippi’s busiest river port
lVicksburg was known as “Ft. Nogales”, Spanish (profusion of walnut trees) and “Ft. St. Pierre” in 1698 by the French. 1776 called
“Walnut Hills” by the English.
For more information about Vicksburg, visit www.visitvicksburg.com Cannon on the edge of the Mississippi River
VicksburG continued
lVicksburg was founded by Reverend Newitt Vick in 1811 and incorporated in 1825
lKnown as “Vicksburg’s Attic,” the Old Courthouse Museum, circa 1858, contains over 10,000 artifacts
lThe home of the Biedenharn Coca-Cola Museum, where in 1894 Coca-Cola was bottled for the first time
l“Gold in the Hills,” old-time melodrama is in the Guiness Book of World Records as the longest running play, running
continuously for over 60 years.
lVicksburg’s downtown waterfront is home to the Children’s Art Park and murals by Robert Dafford that depict the city’s history
lVicksburg is home to 13 tour homes that are open year round.
lIn 1884 shoes were first sold in boxed pairs at Phil Gilbert’s Shoe Parlor in Vicksburg.
For more information about Vicksburg, visit www.visitvicksburg.com
Vicksburg National Military Park
WALLs
Population: 538
DeSoto County Tourism Office Phone Numbers: 662-393-8770
lMemphis Minnie’s Grave and Blues Marker - Historical
For more information about Walls,
visit www.sodesoto.com Back of Memphis Minnie
Blues Marker
veland-Hancock County-Mississippi’s West Coast,
www.mswestcoast.org
WAVELAnd - HAncock counTy – Mississippi’s WEsT coAsT
Population: 6700 approximately
Main Industries: Tourism/Gaming, Aerospace Industry, Arts & Antiques
Famous Natives: Brett Favre, Pete Fountain, Stephen Ambrose, “Doc” Blanchard , Richmond Barthe
Major Festivals/Events: Mardi Gras – Krewe of Nereids, Mississippi Bike Fest – 4th of July Holiday, Cruisin’ the Coast –
October, Nationally Recognized Classic Car show, Wavefest, Annually in September
Tourism Office Phone Numbers: 800-466-9048 or 228-463-9222
lDiscovered by French Explorer, Pierre Le Moyne d’Iberville in 1699.
lHome of NASA’s John C. Stennis Space Center and StenniSphere.
lBuccaneer State Park; McCloud Water Park.
lBreathtaking white sand beaches on the Gulf of Mexico (pet-friendly)
lLocated less than an hour east of New Orleans, Louisiana.
lHome to Silver Slipper Casino
For more information on Silver Slipper Casino
Waveland-Hancock County-Mississippi’s West Coast,
visit www.mswestcoast.org
WEsT poinT
Population: 12,145
Main Industries: International Military
and Government, LLC
Famous Native: Chester Arthur Burnett,
the World Famous “Howlin’ Wolf”
Vivica A. Fox, actress
Major Festivals/Events: Howlin’ Wolf Blues Festival,
Prairie Arts Festival
Tourism Office Phone Number: 662-494-5121
lHistoric Waverly Mansion built in 1852 is located in Clay County.
lBirthplace of the blues great “Howlin’ Wolf” born in Clay County in 1910.
lOld Waverly Golf Club was the site of the 1999 U.S. Ladies Open
Golf Tournament.
lMossy Oak Camouflage Clothing by Haas Outdoors is made in
West Point and has an outdoor mall outlet.
Old Waverly Plantation
For more information about West Point, visit www.westpointms.org
WiGGins/sTonE counTy
Population: 3,849
Main Industry: Forest Related Products: Poles and Piling, Plywood, Paper
Famous Native: Dizzy Dean claimed Wiggins as his home
Major Festivals/Events: Pine Hill Festival, Mississippi Gulf Coast Community in Perkinston, Festival of Lights
Tourism Office Phone Number: 601-928.5418
lWiggins was founded in 1904 as a railroad town.
lHome of the Flint Creek Water Park. The reservoir has 400,000 visitors annually.
lDeSoto National Forest comprises about 25% of Stone County.
lRed Creek flows southeast through the county connecting to the Pascagoula River allowing for canoeing, fishing and rafting.
lTold-You-So Tours, a unique day trip excursion to a candy manufacturer, goat farm, pottery studio and lunch at an antique store/
deli with a performance by the Telling Trees
lTelling Trees, a group of actors who have collected and perform historical, colloquial Stone County stories
lMississippi Gulf Coast Community College located in Perkinston just 5 miles south of Wiggins ranks in the top 100 colleges
producing the most associate degrees.
lFestival of Lights held each December on the Perkinston campus of Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College is a celebration
of the season.
lPine Hill Festival held in April each year promotes Stone County heritage.
lDizzy Dean’s gravesite is located in Bond, just north of Wiggins.
For more information about Wiggins/Stone County, visit www.stonecounty.com/
yAzoo ciTy
Population: 14,550
Main Industry: Agriculture/Aquaculture
Famous Natives: Famed author, Willie Morris, CBS News Correspondent, Randall Pinkston , NFL Hall of Famer, Willie Brown,
Actress, Stella Stevens
Major Festivals/Events: Jerry Clower Festival, Bentonia Blues Festival,
Yazoo Thunder & Blues Festival
Tourism Office Phone Number: 800-381-0662
lYazoo County is the largest county in the state of Mississippi.
lMotivational teacher and speaker, Zig Ziglar moved to
Yazoo City when he was four years old.
lJerry Clower lived most of his adult life in Yazoo City working
for Mississippi Chemical Corporation.
lWillie Morris, editor of various magazines and author of 14 books
including “My Dog Skip,” grew up in Yazoo City.
lYazoo City’s entire downtown section is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Quaint Shops are
lTerra Industries produces all the fuel for the Space Shuttle program. plentiful in Yazoo City
lYazoo County is home of Tinsley Oil Field, where oil was first discovered in Mississippi.
lYazoo River, the second largest tributary to the Mississippi River, is next only to the mighty Ohio River.
For more information about Yazoo City, visit www.yazoo.org
yAzoo ciTy continued
lGreg Harkins, known as “Chairmaker to the Presidents,” has built rocking chairs for four U.S. Presidents.
lCasey Jones, the famous train engineer, lost his life on the
day of the Cannonball Run crash in Vaughan, Mississippi in Yazoo County.
lBeneath the Yazoo River lies 29 sunken ships from the War between
the States.
lBell Road is part of the original road that stretched from Yazoo City
to Vicksburg, used in the 1820’s.
lYazoo City Fire Station is the second oldest in the state.
lThe Oakes African American Cultural Center is the result
of one man’s efforts to improve education of African-Americans in
Yazoo City.
lThe Afro-American Sons and Daughters Hospital, founded
in 1928, was the state’s first hospital for African Americans. Oakes African American Cultural Center
lThe B.S. Ricks Memorial Library is the oldest library in the state.
lYazoo County is home to blues singers such as Jack Owens, Skip James,
Gatemouth Moore, Henry Stuckey, and Tommy McClellan.
lYazoo has two MS Blues Trail markers in Bentonia, one at the Blue
Front Café and one on Hwy 49 honoring Skip James.
For more information about Yazoo City, visit www.yazoo.org
Mississippi development Authority/Tourism division
p.o. box 849
Jackson, Ms 39205-0849
VisitMississippi.org