Discover the History of Mississippi

History in Mississippi

Mississippi is a state that’s rich in history. On our soil, one of the most defining battles of the American Civil War was fought, and the heroes and martyrs of the civil rights movement continued their struggle for freedom and equality. Our cultural impact is recognized throughout the state, as well, with hundreds of historic markers on our Freedom Trail, Blues Trail, Country Music Trail, and Literary Trail.

Every building and landmark in Mississippi tells a story. From towering churches to a home designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, visitors can marvel at the architectural masterpieces that span centuries and cities across the state. History buffs, music lovers, and art connoisseurs can enjoy an assortment of museums, so adding a museum tour or two can make your itinerary complete.

For more information about Mississippi’s history, request a tour guide, use our trip planner, check out some of the places to stop, or contact us today to start planning your trip.

Mississippi Museum of Natural Science

Jackson FEATURED

An aquarium housing over 200 species of native fish, reptiles and amphibians tells an ecological story of rivers, streams, lakes, marshes and the Mississippi Sound. “The Swamp” is home to animals including alligators, turtles and fish surrounded by native foliage. […]

Mississippi Wildlife Heritage Museum

Leland FEATURED

The mission of the Mississippi Wildlife Heritage Museum is to preserve the history, heritage, and traditions of hunting, fishing, and the Great Outdoors in Mississippi; to honor the people that have been a part of it;and to educate the public […]

Tunica River Park and Museum

Robinsonville FEATURED

An inexpensive way to spend the day in Tunica, the Mississippi River Museum at Tunica River Park takes you on a journey through our illustrious past, while a river cruise on the Tunica Queen lets you enjoy the Delta from […]

Montrose and the Montrose Museum

Holly Springs FEATURED

Montrose is a two-story columned Greek Revival home built as a wedding present for the daughter of Alfred Brooks. It is now operated by the Holly Springs Garden Club as a house museum. The arboretum contains over 50 different specimens […]

Delta Blues Museum

Clarksdale FEATURED

Since its creation, the Delta Blues Museum has preserved, interpreted, and encouraged a deep interest in the story of the blues. Established in 1979 by the Carnegie Public Library Board of Trustees and re-organized as a stand-alone museum in 1999, […]

Highway 61 Blues Museum

Leland FEATURED

A small blues museum honoring the Mid Mississippi Delta bluesmen striving to educate the public on the their contributions to music all over the world. […]

Museum of the Mississippi Delta

Greenwood FEATURED

Founded in the 1970s as Cottonlandia, this outstanding regional museum will take you time traveling through centuries of Delta history and culture. From prehistoric fossils, Indian artifacts and Civil War history, to the rescued remnants of Chief Greenwood Leflore’s lost […]

Robert Johnson’s Grave & Self Guided Driving Tour

Greenwood FEATURED

A creative genius who lived fast and died young, Robert Johnson has continued to influence generations of musicians across a wide spectrum of genres. Legends from Robert Plant to Bonnie Raitt have studied and imitated the guitar skills and vocal […]

Gateway to the Blues Museum & Visitors Center

Tunica FEATURED

The Gateway to the Blues Museum and Visitors Center on Highway 61 is the first place many people see when they roll into Tunica. This rustic train depot, circa 1895, is a must-stop for travelers before and after a visit to […]

Vicksburg National Military Park

Vicksburg FEATURED

Commemorating one of the Civil War’s pivotal campaigns, Vicksburg National Military Park is arguably Mississippi’s most renowned historical attraction. Confederate President Jefferson Davis himself referred to Vicksburg as the “nailhead that holds the South’s two halves together,” and there’s no […]

Maritime & Seafood Industry Museum

Biloxi FEATURED

The Maritime & Seafood Industry Museum was established in 1986 to preserve and interpret the maritime history and heritage of the Mississippi Gulf Coast. The recently completed museum accomplishes this mission through an array of exhibits, artifacts and an extraordinary […]

Tennessee Williams Home & Welcome Center

Columbus FEATURED

The Tennessee Williams Home & Welcome Center is the restored childhood home of American playwright Tennessee Williams. Born Thomas Lanier Williams III in 1911, Williams spent his earliest years in this Victorian-style house, which originally served as the rectory for […]