Explore the True South's History and Heritage in Holly Springs

Holly Springs invites visitors to experience Mississippi’s rich history and cultural heritage and to find their true south. Whether you are interested in Civil War history, the Civil Rights Movement or Native American culture, Mississippi is full of authentic sights, sounds and attractions for you to experience firsthand. It’s true: Mississippi is home to some of our nation’s most important history and heritage.

Mississippi’s museums, historical homes, Civil War sites and Civil Rights landmarks are located throughout the state. From the Vicksburg National Military Park and the Corinth Interpretive Center near Shiloh National Military Park to the home of Medgar Evers and Freedom Corner in Jackson, plan a trip to Mississippi in February to experience it for yourself.

The year 2011 marks the 150th Anniversary of the Civil War, and Mississippi is home to many of the Civil War Sesquicentennial activities and events being planned for 2011-2015. The Civil War Preservation Trust lists 39 Mississippi sites on its Civil War Discovery Trail. The recently launched http://www.mscivilwar150.com/ is an excellent resource for up-to-the-minutes details about Civil War-related activities happening around the state.

Mississippi Civil Rights leaders were central to that movement, and you can learn more about how they helped shape our future while you are here. This year also marks the

50th anniversary of the Freedom Riders and Freedom Summer 1961, a pivotal part of the Civil Rights Movement.

Following are just a few local attractions that will help you savor the region’s rich heritage and point you in the direction of discovery:

- Hill Crest Cemetery- where many soldiers and generals of the Civil War were laid to rest.

- Marshall County Historical Museum- which houses one of the largest collections of Civil War memorabilia in the state as well as artifacts of the Chickasaw Indians who once inhabited this area.

- Rust College- a historically African American college who played a major role in the Civil Rights Movement.

- Ida B. Wells- Barnett Museum- honoring the journalist, women’s rights and anti-lynching activist.

Holly Springs has its own story to tell about the people, places and events that helped shape the history of Mississippi. What better way to find your true south than to take a trip to Holly Springs!

To view more details about places you can visit to enjoy the history and heritage of Holly Springs, contact the Holly Springs Tourism and Recreation Bureau by calling 662-252-2515, dropping by our office at 148 East College Avenue or by visiting http://www.visithollysprings.com/.