Jackson, the Historic Capital
In the center of the state, Jackson is the capital of Mississippi and was heavily damaged during the Civil War; Union troops burned much of the city and gave it the nickname Chimneyville. But several important historic buildings around town remain, giving visitors a look at life in the antebellum capital.
The 1842 governor’s mansion is the second-oldest continuously occupied gubernatorial residence in the United States. Half-hour tours of the National Historic Landmark showcase the mansion’s history, architecture and antique furnishings. Nearby, the Old State Capitol served as a statehouse from 1839 to 1903 and is now a historical museum.
History lovers should also visit the antebellum City Hall, which was constructed in 1847 and used as a troop hospital during the Civil War. The building is surrounded by formal gardens that showcase classic Southern horticulture. Another historic building, the Manship House, is open to tour groups by appointment.
While you’re there: Jackson is buzzing with excitement over the opening of two new museums at the end of the year. The Museum of Mississippi History will tell the comprehensive story of the state, and the Mississippi Civil Rights Museum will feature seven thematic galleries that detail African-Americans’ struggle for freedom and justice.
Tupelo, a National Battlefield
More than 500 of Mississippi’s Civil War battles took place in the northern part of the state. Groups can follow the Natchez Trace Parkway for parts of the 190-mile trip from Jackson to Tupelo, stopping along the way to see historic sites and Civil War locations.
Upon reaching Tupelo, travelers often visit the Tupelo National Battlefield, which marks the site where more than 20,000 Union and Confederate soldiers fought for two days in July 1864. The park has a large memorial, cannons and interpretive signage with information on the Battle of Tupelo. Rangers at the nearby Natchez Trace Parkway Visitors Center can provide additional information to groups.
If you have serious Civil War buffs in your group, you might consider offering an optional side trip to the Odd Fellows Cemetery in Columbus, where locals began the custom of military grave decoration that would evolve into Memorial Day.
While you’re there: Elvis Presley was born and spent much of his childhood in Tupelo, and today he is honored in several places around town. Groups can see Elvis’ humble birthplace and boyhood home, and they can see an antique car he owned at the Tupelo Auto Museum.
Civil War Crossroads in Corinth
In the northeastern corner of the state, Corinth sits just across the border from Shiloh, Tennessee, the site of the two-day Battle of Shiloh in 1862, one of the bloodiest battles of the Civil War. Action from that battle spilled over to the railroad crossroads in Corinth, and later that year, the Battle of Corinth was fought there.
Though the main section of Shiloh National Military Park is in Tennessee, the Corinth Civil War Interpretive Center is considered part of the park and is near the site of a fortification where fighting took place in the Battle of Corinth. The museum features video overviews on both battles in the area, as well as a full-scale replica of earthworks that were dug at the battlefield.
Nearby, the Crossroads Museum occupies a former train depot and has an extensive collection of Civil War artifacts.
While you’re there: Borroum’s Drug Store, the oldest operating drugstore and soda fountain in Mississippi, has been owned and operated by the same family since the 1860s. The soda shop features old-fashioned treats such as malts, banana splits and sundaes, all served with equipment from the 1920s and 1930s.
