African-American Heritage

Themed Travel

Mississippi culture and heritage are rich with the legacy of the

African-American people. These attractions will take you to historic

churches, museums, universities, homes and cemeteries. Explore the

accomplishments of those who, despite oppressive times, have prevailed,

prospered and made a tremendous impact on society. Along the way, look

for Blues Trail markers dedicated to music legends with Mississippi roots.

For more information on African-American

heritage, scan the bar code with your

smartphone or visit VisitMississippi.org/

african-americans.aspx

The Mississippi Freedom Trail

The Mississippi Freedom Trail is a major cultural initiative designed to commemorate the state’s civil rights heritage. The trail offers a tour of sites associated with people who played a pivotal role in the Civil Rights Movement, such as the Mississippi State Penitentiary at Parchman, Medgar Evers’ House in Jackson, the Greyhound Bus Station in Jackson and Fannie Lou Hamer’s hometown of Ruleville.

Canton

• Blues legend Elmore James lived here.

• See the Howcott Monument, erected in honor of Willis Howcott, a slave who died in battle during the Civil War.

• Visit the Canton Multicultural Center and Museum, and the Hickory Street area.

Clarksdale

• Tour the Delta Blues Museum, where you can hear music, watch videos and see unique artwork that is a tribute to famous bluesmen.

• Check out Cat Head Delta Blues & Folk Art for some blues CDs and folk art.

• See the place where W.C. Handy’s house stood, and travel out into the smaller communities to immerse yourself in the land that inspired the blues. Visit such sites as Hopson Plantation and the grave of Sonny Boy Williamson, II.

• End the day with dinner at Madidi restaurant and entertainment at Ground Zero Blues Club, co-owned by actor Morgan Freeman.

Corinth

• Tour the Corinth Contraband Camp, established in late 1862 after the Battle of Corinth. The camp housed between 2,500 and 6,000 African-Americans from Mississippi, Tennessee and Alabama until January 1864.

Greenville

• Live Oak Cemetery is the final resting place of Bishop Lampton, the only African- American bishop from Mississippi; Holt Collier, who is famous for his bear hunt with President Teddy Roosevelt; and other prominent African-American businessmen and slaves.

• Established in 1868 by six former slaves as the first church structure erected by African-Americans in Greenville, Mt. Horeb Missionary Baptist Church has been an important part of the city’s religious life for over 140 years.

• Nelson Street juke joints – clubs and restaurants with blues heritage and live music – are clustered near each other.

• Opened in the 1970s, Perry’s Flowing Fountain booked all kinds of blues artists, from the famous to the obscure, before closing after owner Perry Payton’s death in 2000. It reopened last year as the Fountain Blues Club.

• Organized in 1867, St. Matthew African Methodist Episcopal Church was the first AME church established in the Mississippi Delta.

• Blues bars along Walnut Street feature such blues artists as local favorite John Horton, plus hip-hop and live rock bands. Clubs and restaurants offer drinks and

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VisitMississippi.org » 1.866.SEE MISS (733.6477)

Themed Travel