Top 7 Mississippi Destinations for History Lovers
Where are Mississippi's Most Famous Museums and Historic Landmarks?
The state of Mississippi has a long and storied history, which visitors can learn all about with a visit to its most famous historical attractions.
The Magnolia State has played a major role in some of the most significant events in the history of the USA, including, most notably, the Civil War and the Civil Rights Movement. It’s also secured its place in America’s cultural and musical history as the acknowledged ‘birthplace of the blues’. With more than 15,000 years to document, which are Mississippi’s most famous museums and historical landmarks to visit?
1. Mississippi Civil Rights Museum, Jackson
The history of the civil rights movement in the USA
Categoría: Historia, Parejas, Familias
Mississippi was ground zero for the US Civil Rights Movement, and the Mississippi Civil Rights Museum in Jackson tells the state’s key role in eight immersive galleries and interactive exhibits. These chronicle events from slavery through Reconstruction and Jim Crow, to Freedom Summer and on to the present day.
Don’t miss ‘This Little Heart of Mine’, a dramatic, glowing light sculpture in the venue’s central space, which serves as a poignant and emotional tribute to the civil rights activists who laid down their lives for the movement.
Ubicación: 222 North St #2205, Jackson, MS 39201, USA
Horarios: Tuesday–Saturday from 9 am to 5 pm, Sunday from 11 am to 5 pm (closed on Mondays)
Teléfono: +1 601-576-6800
Mississippi Civil Rights Museum, Jackson
2. Medgar and Myrlie Evers Home National Monument, Jackson
Home of the slain civil rights activist
Categoría: Historia, Exótico
Medgar and Myrlie Evers Home National Monument explores the life and legacy of NAACP leader Medgar Evers, an important figure in US civil rights during the 1950s and early 1960s. His efforts to end segregation in Mississippi gained him acclaim and, sadly, enemies, culminating in his tragic assassination in June 1963. His death became a driving force behind the passing of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.
A dedicated National Historic Landmark, National Monument and key part of the US Civil Rights Trail, the home houses exhibits on the activism of Evers and the ongoing work of his widow, Myrlie. For a deeply personal look at civil rights history, tour this preserved home, complete with original furnishings and bullet holes.
Ubicación: 2332 Margaret W Alexander Dr, Jackson, MS 39213, USA
Horarios: Tuesday–Saturday from 9 am to noon and from 1 pm to 4 pm (closed on Sundays and Mondays)
Teléfono: +1 601-345-7211
Medgar and Myrlie Evers Home National Monument, Jackson
3. Vicksburg National Military Park
A historic battlefield and memorial
Categoría: Historia, Foto
Vicksburg National Military Park is the site of a pivotal Civil War battle, crucial to both Confederate and Union leaders for its strategic importance in determining the war’s outcome. Confederate President Jefferson Davis famously referred to Vicksburg as the ‘nail head that holds the South together’, while President Abraham Lincoln described control of the Mississippi River port as ’key’ to victory.
Today, visitors can trace the footsteps of soldiers who fought there, gaining insights through battlefield tours, ranger-led talks and scenic drives. There are a sobering 1,400 memorials to fallen soldiers from both sides and 20 miles (32 km) of trenches to explore. Be sure to visit USS Cairo Gunboat and Museum, a fascinating highlight that brings history to life.
Ubicación: 3201 Clay St, Vicksburg, MS 39183, USA
Horarios: Daily from 8.30 am to 5 pm
Teléfono: +1 601-636-0583
Vicksburg National Military Park
4. Natchez Trace Parkway and historic sites
A spectacular journey along a historic route
Categoría: Historia, De aventura
Drive through 10,000 years of history on the 444-mile-long (715-km-long) scenic Natchez Trace Parkway, which takes in three states and follows a historic travel corridor founded by Native Americans. An early trade route, over the years its path has also been followed by European settlers, Kaintuck boatmen, Civil War soldiers and many more.
One of the oldest transport routes in North America, it’s excellent for road trips, combining nature and history. There are campsites along the way, and while much of the original route through Mississippi has been assimilated into modern roads, you can still walk the old trails. Go hiking, picnicking, fishing or birdwatching, or explore the ample historic sites.
Ubicación: Visitor Center: 2680 Natchez Trace Pkwy, Tupelo, MS 38804, USA
Natchez Trace Parkway and historic sites
5. Museum of Mississippi History, Jackson
Thousands of years of state history under one roof
Categoría: Historia, Parejas, Familias
At Museum of Mississippi History in Jackson, more than 15,000 years of Mississippi history are chronicled in eight galleries, documenting the Magnolia State from prehistoric times to the present day. The stories within are personalised through the world’s most extensive collection of Mississippi artefacts.
The museum’s theme, ‘One Mississippi, Many Stories’, follows the state through early Native American societies, the settlement of Europeans and enslaved Africans. It continues with the rise of slavery and cotton, the Civil War and Reconstruction and social change movements. Then it brings visitors up to date with major 20th-century events and the recent dominance of arts and culture. Be sure to visit the adjacent Civil Rights Museum, a great opportunity for a 2-in-1 experience.
Ubicación: 222 North St #1206, Jackson, MS 39201, USA
Horarios: Tuesday–Saturday from 9 am to 5 pm, Sunday from 11 am to 5 pm (closed on Mondays)
Teléfono: +1 601-576-6800
Museum of Mississippi History, Jackson
6. Stanton Hall, Natchez
Classic architecture from before the Civil War
Categoría: Historia, Foto
Occupying an entire city block, historic Stanton Hall is one of the largest antebellum mansions in the southern USA. Built in 1857, this imposing Greek Revival-style structure, noted for its scale and dominating columns, showcases pre-Civil War architecture.
Inside, visitors can view period furnishings such as marble mantels and large pier mirrors that reflect the design trends of the era. Guided tours of Stanton Hall—and other historic properties like Longwood, The Towers, Linden, Magnolia Hall, and Myrtle Terrace—provide insight into 19th-century architecture and the historical context of the period.
Ubicación: 401 High St, Natchez, MS 39120, USA
Horarios: Hours vary by season
Teléfono: +1 601-442-6282
Stanton Hall, Natchez
7. B.B. King Museum and Delta Interpretive Center
A soulful tribute to a music legend
Categoría: Historia, Parejas
In the heart of the Mississippi Delta, B.B. King Museum and Delta Interpretive Center recounts the life and legendary career of American blues legend B.B. King. Rising from humble beginnings, King helped put the blues on the map, establishing Mississippi as ‘the birthplace of America’s music’. He recorded countless classics, became an idol of millions of music fans, an inspiration to generations of guitarists and collected 15 Grammy Awards, Kennedy Center Honors and a Presidential Medal of Freedom.
Visit the museum to delve into his extraordinary career, as well as the cultural history of the region. Explore how the Mississippi Delta influenced him and how he, in turn, impacted the area.
Ubicación: 400 2nd St, Indianola, MS 38751, USA
Horarios: Tuesday–Saturday from 10 am to 5 pm (closed on Sundays and Mondays)
Teléfono: +1 662-887-9539
B.B. King Museum and Delta Interpretive Center
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