Civil Rights

When Emmett Till was murdered in 1955, the people of Mississippi found themselves at the forefront of one of the most pivotal periods of American history. This tragic event is widely considered the igniting spark of the modern Civil Rights movement. While the death of Emmett Till made national headlines, it was not the only event to set the scene for this great struggle. Only months before Till’s death, Reverend George Lee of Belzoni was assassinated after registering to vote. Other events in Mississippi, from the murder of Medgar Evers in 1963 to the killing of the three Civil Rights workers in Neshoba County the following year, rallied those involved with the Civil Rights movement and brought more people to the cause. Half a century later, Mississippi is the embodiment of changing times. Today, Mississippi has more elected African-American officials than any other state in the country, as the civil rights movement continues as a strong element of political, social and daily life.

The new, interactive Mississippi Civil Rights Museum in Jackson explores the true stories of the Civil Rights movement, and shows how those events shaped a state and changed the world. Once you visit the museum, venture to some of the 25 sites on the Mississippi Freedom Trail to experience history at the source.

Mississippi Freedom Trail 
History
Architecture
Mississippi Freedom Trail
Civil War
Museums

Inspiration

EAT, STAY, PLAY: STARKVILLE
EAT, STAY, PLAY: STARKVILLE For families, singles, and retirees, the Starkville community and adjacent Mississippi State University offer an abundance of places to see, events to attend, and activities to enjoy. The opportunities cover a multitude of interests from SEC sporting events, participatory […]

Explore Civil Rights History in Mississippi
Historic civil rights sites such as the home of Medgar Evers in Jackson are memorialized on the Mississippi Freedom Trail, a network of more than two-dozen markers where visitors can witness how pivotal events in Mississippi changed the world. Now, […]

EAT, STAY, PLAY: JACKSON
EAT, STAY, PLAY: JACKSON In Jackson, “The City with Soul,” you can trace Mississippi’s evolution from the Civil War to the Civil Rights Movement, to the hub of music and culture it is today. The capital city offers world-class arts and […]

Must-See Museums in Mississippi
With the dreary winter months upon us, what better time to take a day (or two) and explore Mississippi’s enlightening state-of-the-art museums. Mississippi is home to a number of museums, and visitors often have a hard time choosing which to […]

EAT, STAY, PLAY: HATTIESBURG
EAT, STAY, PLAY: HATTIESBURG Eat Grab a bite, along with a recording from your favorite musician at T-Bone’s Records and Café. Enjoy a table inside this music shop and restaurant combo or grab a seat on the patios and sample the […]

EAT, STAY, PLAY: OXFORD
EAT, STAY, PLAY: OXFORD Touted as the “Cultural Mecca of the South”, creativity abounds in Oxford as musicians, artists and writers alike find inspiration in Oxford’s rich history, small town charm and creative community. Over the years Oxford has also […]

Mississippi Eccentricities You Have to See
Mississippi Eccentricities You Have to See                                                                      […]

Museums of Mississippi History and Culture
Museums of Mississippi History and Culture Mississippi’s rich creative legacy and deep historical roots are on display in museums around the state celebrating the artistic achievements, from music to art to literature, of some of the world’s greatest talent. Take […]

Take a Tour of Mississippi’s Unique Attractions
Take a Tour of Mississippi’s Unique Attractions Experiece A Few of the Ways You Can Visit Mississippi Since becoming a state in 1817, Mississippi has been central to shaping America’s arts and culture – from its deep musical roots and […]

Pivotal Civil Rights Sites: A 3-Day Itinerary
When Emmett Till was murdered in Money in 1955, Mississippians found themselves at the forefront of one of the most pivotal periods of American history. As this tragic event is widely considered the beginning of the modern civil rights movement, […]

Antebellum South & Civil War Tour
DAY 1   NATCHEZ Prior to the Civil War, Natchez was home to more millionaires per capita than New York City. Begin in Natchez, with its more than 500 antebellum homes, churches, and public buildings. Prior to the Civil War, […]

EAT, STAY, PLAY: NATCHEZ
EAT, STAY, PLAY: NATCHEZ Natchez is one of the oldest continuous European settlements on the Mississippi River. Famous for its breathtaking homes and it’s historic tours, Natchez is a charming, walkable, and vibrant community. Named by Forbes in February 2021 as […]

Bryant’s Grocery

Money, MS

The Mississippi Freedom Trail Marker is located in Money, about nine miles north of Greenwood. Fourteen-year-old Emmett Till came to this site to buy candy in August 1955. White shopkeeper Carolyn Bryant accused the black youth of flirting with her, […]

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DeSoto County Museum

Hernando, MS

The museum provides education programs, as well as exhibits on the history of DeSoto County from past to present, showcasing artifacts and exhibits featuring the history of DeSoto County, Mississippi. Artifacts and displays begin with the arrival of Hernando DeSoto […]

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