Pascagoula played a significant role in the national effort to win World War II. The city offered a seaport, a riverport, and a modern shipyard – the Ingalls Iron Works. As a result, the city's population grew from 6,000 to 35,000 by 1943. To handle . . . — — Map (db m242976) HM
The Pascagoula Ice and Freezer Company
was established in the late 1880s. Its
name changed in 1903 when the one-story
brick building just north of this site
was built. It is the only example of
Mission Revival Style architecture in
Pascagoula . . . — — Map (db m102184) HM
Jackson County is known for shipbuilding. Early settlers hand-crafted utility, fishing and local transportation boats to one-of-a-kind designs, but World War I saw explosive development of a modern industry. Dierks-Blodgett in Pascagoula, and . . . — — Map (db m102361) HM
(Marker #1)
Mount Locust as an Inn
Growing traffic on the Trace gave Ferguson opportunity to develop Mount Locust.
After 1795, the Mississippi was legally opened for American traffic. Settlers floated their products downriver . . . — — Map (db m87276) HM
Constructed ca. 1780, this home is one of the oldest structures in Mississippi. It functioned as both a working plantation and as an inn, where travelers on the Natchez Trace could rest for the night. Mount Locust is the only surviving inn of the . . . — — Map (db m87277) HM
In 1924 engineer William H. Mason discovered a process to convert wood chips into a thin, high density material that became known as masonite. He established the Mason Fibre Company soon after his discovery. The company changed its name to the . . . — — Map (db m110983) HM
Established in 1913, the town of Electric Mills was built by the Sumter Lumber Company, which relocated to Kemper County from Alabama. Powered by electricity generated by the mill, the town was among the first in Mississippi with electric lights and . . . — — Map (db m140642) HM
Site of the
drug store and medical office
of Dr. Thomas Dudley Isom
Considered to be the first white settler
of this region
Building circa 1889 – restored 1988
The Oxford Courthouse Square Historic District
National Register . . . — — Map (db m219916) HM
The African-American Business District provided services that Meridian’s black community could not otherwise receive due to Jim Crow laws that kept the South segregated. It was the location of a hotel, restaurants, barber and beauty shops, a . . . — — Map (db m111048) HM
The portion of the Meridian Downtown Historic Preservation District centered on the intersection of 25th Avenue with 5th Street has a long historical association with the African-American community due to the concentration of black-owned businesses . . . — — Map (db m111039) HM
Well-preserved industrial complex grouped about a railroad depot, center of railroad industry, the impetus to Meridian's growth after 1860. Included farm products processing businesses of inventor G.W. Soule. — — Map (db m60075) HM
Front
The electronic amplification of vocals and musical instruments resulted in dramatic changes in the blues in the post-World War II era, notably the rise to prominence of the electric guitar. Peavey Electronics, founded in 1965 by . . . — — Map (db m77192) HM
Sit-ins, pickets and boycotts were used to persuade white-owned businesses to hire black employees and integrate lunch counters. The Meridian Action Committee (MAC) was formed in part to carry out these tasks. Kress, Woolworth's and Newberry . . . — — Map (db m111052) HM
Jewish merchants contributed greatly to Meridian's growth. The Grand Opera House (MSU Riley Center) and the Threefoot Building stand as evidence of their business success. Although Jews were well accepted in Meridian, their support of Civil Rights . . . — — Map (db m111054) HM
Built circa 192, 102 East Main Street was the first brick store building in Baldwyn operated by Jones, Pyle, Haney and McDonald as Baldwyn Dry Goods stores. Barber and Beauty Shop located in the basement. Renovated in 2011 by Farmers and Merchants . . . — — Map (db m155373) HM
20th century commercial building constructed in 1918 by Nick Waters and Oscar Abrams as a two-story furniture and casket store; became McWhorter Hardware in 1921; later a John Deere dealership and then the General Electric Store opened by Bryson and . . . — — Map (db m155357) HM
Late Victorian architecture built in 1910 by Ben Caldwell and operated as McCarthy Hardward store for over 30 years. Converted to a fabric shop in 1965 and operated over the years by Johnson, McKay, Roberts, and Kesler families. Facade improvements . . . — — Map (db m155376) HM
Built by Buster McElroy, owner of the adjacent hardware store, about 1945, as a barber shop. Hardware store burned in 2002. Originally operated by Dewey Basden and "Red" Purvis, then Dayton Cagle. Since, operated by Peggy Grice and remodeled in . . . — — Map (db m155383) HM
Post-war modern architecture; building completed in 1930 as Compton's Store. Later operated as Hugh Epting's 5 & 10, Riley's Shoe Shop, and The Trading Post. Restored in 2005.
National Register of Historic Places. — — Map (db m155366) HM
Circa 1910 as The People's Bank. George Gentry's Cafe & Meat Market downstairs with the upper floor residence of the Claude Gentry family (1928-1940). In 1940, operated as Luna Stubbs Beauty Shop followed by Johnnie Arnold's Dry Goods. Later owned . . . — — Map (db m155355) HM
Late Folk Victorian architecture constructed in circa 1900 as two structures. Brinson's Dry Goods and Shoe Store was on the east side and the west side was Kirk Hardware. Expanded by Kirk to both sides and operated later by Rowland, Garrett, . . . — — Map (db m155378) HM
The original wood frame building was built in 1905 as Walker's, then Norman's Grocery. Later, Lampkin's and Morris' Barber Shop followed by Gene Prentice Barber Shop and Aliene Anderson's Fabric Store. A beauty shop operated in the back of the . . . — — Map (db m155377) HM
During the Great Depression, Morris Gorden, only 23, moved to Baldwyn, rented this building, and opened a dry goods business that would last 60 years. Gorden was a man of accomplishment. At age 9, Moijze Kordun and his family had escaped Lithuania . . . — — Map (db m155374) HM
In 1903 this site was a cobbler's shop and later Miss Jessie Archer's Millinery (hat) shop. In 1931, it was operated as Will McElroys' Grocery. Devastated by fire in 1938 and rebuilt by Knowles Archer, the new building later housed an Ice Cream . . . — — Map (db m155352) HM
Originally a wood-framed built in 1920 by W.M.B. Cox as the People's Bank. The upstairs was used as a Masonic Hall. A Piggly Wiggly grocery store occupied the east side, and later, Haddon Palmer's Pool Room. The west side was occupied by Jones and . . . — — Map (db m155367) HM
Edgar McDonald, Jack Lampkin, Dewey Basden & Claude rogers worked the chairs here in the early 1900's. McDonald's wife Ethel began a cleaning business for shop patrons at the back in the 20's, ad dry cleaning soon became this spot's predominant . . . — — Map (db m155361) HM
In 1926, Nick Waters moved a budding casket business into this building, formerly D.H. Thomas Grocer. Yet on a "few" bodies were ever actually embalmed here, to the great relief of current residents. In the 1950's, Claude Gentry's Lyric Theater . . . — — Map (db m155356) HM
Verner McGee operated a meat market here from the 1930's to the late 50's. He and wife Virginia once lived above this store, and "Son" could always be found in those days with his sidekick, a short-haired terrier who rode shotgun on daily deliveries . . . — — Map (db m155362) HM
Built in 1910, as two stores, Late Folk Victorian, Baldwyn Dry Goods Store (east side) and Nanney's Grocery on the west side; later operated as dry goods stores by Cochran and Shellnut. Houston's Grocery Store also occupied the east side followed by . . . — — Map (db m155375) HM
Built circa 1900, Ed Cochran operated a General Merchandise store here in 1928 named the Green Front Store. The store is a backdrop for Ed's son, Louis Cochran's book, Hallelujah, Mississippi, written about pre-World War I Baldwyn. Later, Wallis and . . . — — Map (db m155381) HM
Completed in the 1930's by Audie Coggins; later owned and operated by Claude Gentry as the Ritz Theater. The west side was Gentry Insurance. Restored by Wayne Stone in 1981 as Stone's Jewelry & Gifts.
National Register of Historic Places. — — Map (db m155360) HM
This store became Baldwyn's most iconic business in the mid-20th century when owner Tom Mauldin erected the neon sign that still hangs. Constructed by the Steeds, a family of masons, the building originally housed City Drug & Jewelry Co. Guy Stocks, . . . — — Map (db m155363) HM
A frame building built on this site housed McWhorter Hardware and burned in the fire of 1914. In 1915, Baldwyn's U.S. Post Office was relocated here in a brick structure until 1952. Magers and Poole Appliance Store, Gladys Barber's Dollar Store, . . . — — Map (db m155380) HM
From a log cabin built in 1859 as Wallis Blacksmith Shop, the current structure (1925) was built as Union Drug Store and operated by Archie Frost (for over 50 years) and Sam Rowan. Popeye Gentry's Watch Repair was in the back of the drug store. Mr. . . . — — Map (db m155379) HM
Front
Raised on country here in Tupelo, first introduced as “The Hillbilly Cat,” then by RCA Victor as “the hottest new name in country music,” Elvis Presley’s revolutionary musical mix always had country as a key ingredient. Appearing . . . — — Map (db m102752) HM
In 1947, Elvis lived at the North end of Green Street, not far from here. Mayhorn Grocery previously occupied this space, and Elvis would walk to the store and sit on the porch listening to the blues. It was also here that he heard the sounds of . . . — — Map (db m102821) HM
From 1943~47, Elvis' father, Vernon, worked for L.P. McCarty & Son's local wholesale grocery company making deliveries to various parts of the City. Shake Rag, a historically black community, was one of his delivery areas.
It was here that Elvis . . . — — Map (db m29630) HM
The Green Street Business District
The Green Street business district was the hub of the black community in the early part of the century, up to and beyond desegregation. The area from Barnes Street to Spring Street housed the . . . — — Map (db m102831) HM
This is a replica of an outhouse that was typical in a poor, Southern neighborhood.
Oftentimes, a single privy was shared by several residents. The original outhouse located behind the row of rental houses along Saltillo Road was also shared by . . . — — Map (db m102842) HM
In 1946, Elvis' mother, Gladys brought him here to buy a bicycle. Once they arrived, a 22-caliber rifle caught Elvis' eye, and he asked his mother to buy it instead. She wasn't happy about purchasing a gun so they compromised on a guitar. Forest L. . . . — — Map (db m102822) HM
Established during construction of the M&O Railroad and named for Verona, Italy, the town was chartered in 1860. During the Civil War, Verona was a Confederate supply depot and training camp. On December 25, 1864, Verona was raided by Union Brig. . . . — — Map (db m155324) HM
Founded by John Williams as Williams Landing, 1834. Chartered as Greenwood, 1844. Since 1917 has been the world's largest long staple cotton market. — — Map (db m77184) HM
District comprises state's most important concentration of buildings associated with marketing of cotton and with the state's post-Civil War cotton boom. Listed in the National Register of Historic Places. — — Map (db m77179) HM
Needing a fresh water supply for his ice company, Charles Edward Wright partnered with the mayor and Board of Aldermen to drill a well near this site. Wright and his business partner, Staige Marye, provided the boring rig, and the city provided . . . — — Map (db m77190) HM
Constructed in 1931 by James J. Carruth and his wife, the two-story stucco Coffee Pot Inn was Brookhavens's first drive-in restaurant. The building also served as the Carruth family home and as a Greyhound bus stop in 1933. In 1936, Eddie Hinnant . . . — — Map (db m117344) HM
Built in the early 1920's, this trough sits in its original location, a relic of a period long passed. Travel from town to town was primarily done by mule pulled wagons. The area was plentiful with corn and cotton making such trade activity among . . . — — Map (db m117566) HM
In 1899, the Pearl River Lumber Company established the mill town of Pearlhaven. Pealrhaven was incorporated in 1901 with 310 residents, who elected a mayor, board of aldermen, and marshal the same year. The town included a hotel, three churches . . . — — Map (db m117479) HM
Named for Frederick Norwood and John S.
Butterfield, founders of the Norwood-Butterfield
Lumber Company, Norfield was incorporated in
1894. In 1900, Butterfield became sole owner of
the company and Denkmann Lumber Co. operated
the sawmill from . . . — — Map (db m201175) HM
Joshua Lawrence Meador was born in 1911 in Greenwood, Mississippi, and moved here at age seven. Meador worked for Walt Disney Productions from 1936 to 1965 as head of the effects department. His film credits include Snow White, Fantasia, Bambi, . . . — — Map (db m64694) HM
The Queen City Hotel, located at this site, was once the cultural hub of the African American community in Columbus. Constructed in the 1880s, the building was opened as a hotel in 1914 by blues guitarist Robert Walker and later owned by Edward . . . — — Map (db m140700) HM
(Left Panel)
Doaks Stand
About 1812 William Doak established his stand or tavern on the Natchez Trace which is five miles north of the Parkway at this point. The Treaty of Doaks Stand was signed there in 1820.
Because . . . — — Map (db m87493) HM
Built in 1890 by the Hesdorffer brothers of
Canton, this building is the last 19th-century
structure in Madison's downtown commercial
district. Through much of the 20th century, It
was the center of Madison's social and civic life
and was used . . . — — Map (db m244430) HM
Built ca. 1870, the “Strawberry Patch” House was the home of Dr. Haden E. McKay, who lived here until his death in 1898. Known locally as the “Strawberry King”, McKay, along with his brothers John and William T. McKay, grew strawberries and other . . . — — Map (db m205216) HM
Built between 1925 and 1927 by Jackson architect Claude H. Lindsley and furnished by Marshall Fields, this Spanish Colonial Revival-style mansion was the home of Governor Hugh Lawson White. White served two non-consecutive terms as governor of . . . — — Map (db m115552) HM
Formed 1834; chartered 1837; in 1849 it was made county seat of Monroe, the first county in the state north of Vicksburg. Cotton trade center and former port for Mobile trade. — — Map (db m102590) HM
The Gulf Ordnance Plant was a military munitions plant where shells were packed for use during World War II. This plant was in operation from 1942 until the war ended in 1945. Managed by Procter and Gamble, the plant covered 6,720 acres of land, . . . — — Map (db m102585) HM
The Borden Company opened this milk condensing plant in April 1926. The plant helped bring over 1,200 dairy farm and milk distributing operations to Oktibbeha County. The plant closed in 2005, and the property was sold in 2009. Following extensive . . . — — Map (db m102644) HM
Lumber and tung-oil center. Named for N.O. newspaper edited by former local resident, Eliza Jane Nicholson, famed as poet (Pearl Rivers) and pioneer in opening of journalism to women. — — Map (db m103251) HM
Tank Car CROX 2027 was originally owned by Crosby Chemical Company, then sold to Arizona Chemical Company. When Arizona Chemical closed it was donated to the City of Picayune. The track on which it is located on is an original spur dating back to . . . — — Map (db m103250) HM
Chartered 1872. Named for Col. H.S. McComb, I.C. Ry. president who established shops here. J.J.White Lumber Co. set-up 1893. McComb Female Inst., est. 1894, now Belhaven College. — — Map (db m108901) HM
In 1897, a bond issue was approved for
the construction of the Summit standpipe.
Completed at a cost of $14.000 as part of
the Summit Electric & Water Plant, the
standpipe was the source of water for
the town of Summit until 1950. With . . . — — Map (db m211207) HM
Organized on September 30, 1933 at the Pontotoc County Courthouse, the Pontotoc County Electric Power Association was chartered on February 23, 1934, and began providing low cost TVA electricity to its rural customers on March 1, 1935. Of more than . . . — — Map (db m171663) HM
Located in this vicinity, the Ueltschey tannery was established in 1857 by Albert Ueltschey (1824-1884), a native of Switzerland who had moved from Texas to Mississippi after the Mexican War, settling near Nathan Springs. Following the Civil War, . . . — — Map (db m111021) HM
Early Settlement and Historic Preservation
The area was first settled in the early 1800s. In 1840, Willie Magee built a grist
mill on Little Goodwater Creek, inside the present city limits. The community
grew and in 1900 was . . . — — Map (db m114491) HM
Built ca. 1845, the hotel once located on this site was among the first public buildings in Raleigh. During the Civil War, it was used as headquarters for Col. Robert Lowry, future governor of Mississippi. Political figures, including Jefferson . . . — — Map (db m173380) HM
The Flint Creek Post Office was established in
the early 1840s and was the only post office
in the Piney Woods between Augusta and the
Gulf Coast before the Civil War. First located
on Flint Creek three miles north of present day
Wiggins, it . . . — — Map (db m196851) HM
As early as 1837, attempts were made to
build the Gulf & Ship Island Railroad.
It was finally completed from Gulfport to
Hattiesburg by Buffalo, New York,
financier Joseph T. Jones in October
1896. Commercial operations began on
January . . . — — Map (db m122364) HM
A store located at this site was owned and operated until 1988 by Oscar and Alice Giles, who were active in the Mississippi Freedom Democratic Party and the local Civil Rights movement. The store was firebombed on May 1, 1965, and heavily . . . — — Map (db m77315) HM
On this site was the home of Wayne and Minnie Cox. In 1888, Wayne Cox was elected alderman, the first African American to hold that post in Indianola. Appointed by President Benjamin Harrison in 1891, Minnie Cox is the nation's first known African . . . — — Map (db m77322) HM
The parkway bridge is named in honor of United States Representative Jamie L. Whitten who for years fought for funds in Congress to complete the Natchez Trace Parkway and the Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway.
His vision helped make possible this . . . — — Map (db m84731) HM
In the mid 1700's Sieur de Bienville, founder of Mobile, recommended to Louis XIV, a waterway connecting the Tennessee River with the Tombigbee River. Later, American settlers also recognized the advantages of such a shortcut. Residents of Knox . . . — — Map (db m84730) HM
First settled as Ellistown in 1838, Blue Springs was formed when the Kansas City, Memphis, and Birmingham Railroad was built in 1888, bypassing Ellistown. Residents then migrated closer to the railroad. In 2007 Blue Springs became the home of Toyota . . . — — Map (db m102626) HM
The Union County Seat since 1870, New Albany was established ca, 1840 after Moses Collins built a grist mill and saw mill on the banks of the Tallahatchie River. First surveyed in 1840 by Ira M. Kemp, New Albany was incorporated in 1850. Located on . . . — — Map (db m96772) HM
Northeast Mississippi's upholstered furniture industry began here in 1948. Founded by Morris Furtorian, a Russian immigrant from Chicago, the Stratford Company utilized assembly line methods developed by the automotive industry, an innovation that . . . — — Map (db m102629) HM
In June 1848, Benjamin Lampton and his brother-in-law Cullen Conerly established a post office here in Lampton's mercantile business. Situated on Dry Creek between Conerly's Mill and Tyler's Mill, the store and post office served as the social . . . — — Map (db m115476) HM
One of Vicksburg and Warren County's greatest natural resources is its hardwood forests. For years, the harvesting of timber was hard work that was achieved by hard men and animals working in unison.
After trees were cut, oxen and mules were . . . — — Map (db m190971) HM
Vicksburg Banks
The need for banks grew as local merchants flourished and
more people had paying jobs. In 1895 Vicksburg had five
banks. By 1906, because of the economic boom, there were
thirteen local banks. Two historically . . . — — Map (db m115430) HM
In the mid-1800's Vicksburg began to grow and prosper. An 1866 city directory listed 35 Jewish-owned stores and about 90 Jewish families living in Vicksburg. These three homes were owned by Jewish businessmen who prospered with Vicksburg's growing . . . — — Map (db m115530) HM
Not a clean place, Catfish Row was Vicksburg's commerce hub where horse-drawn wagons connected with steamboats and trains. Not particularly a clean place, it was busy with laborers, lined with saloons, and thriving with underground activities. If . . . — — Map (db m190975) HM
[Top plaque] This structure has been recorded by the Historic American Buildings Survey of the United States Department of the Interior for its archives at the Library of Congress
[Bottom plaque] This property has been placed on . . . — — Map (db m244237) HM
In 1991, Daniel Kirkwood "Kirk" Fordice, Jr. became the first Republican to be elected governor of Mississippi in 118 years. A graduate of Purdue University, he served two years on active duty in the US Army as an engineer officer with the 1st . . . — — Map (db m162998) HM
Anchuca (An-choo-ka)
Built in 1830 and surviving the Civil War, Anchuca was named with a Choctaw Indian word meaning "happy home". In 1868 the house was occupied by Joseph Davis oldest brother to Jefferson Davis), a very successful . . . — — Map (db m115483) HM
Prior to the opening of the Jitney Jungle on the corner of South and Monroe streets in 1933, grocery stores generally sold only groceries and were "full service" establishments with clerks to gather the items on a person's list. The modern . . . — — Map (db m162999) HM
On a summer day in 1894, Joseph Biedenharn, a candy merchant and soda fountain operator, had an idea that would reshape the soft drink industry. He took the popular fountain beverage, Coca-Cola, put it in bottles, and delivered it to rural areas . . . — — Map (db m190866) HM
In May 1908, Leo C. Koestler opened Koestler's Bakery on Washington at Belmont Street. The first ovens were coal fired and "Mello-Toast Bread" was delivered to households by a horse-drawn dray.
In about 1918, Leo became the first in the state to . . . — — Map (db m190969) HM
In 1942, R.G. LeTourneau, the man largely responsible for the invention and development of earth-moving machines in wide use today, built his fourth manufacturing plant in Vicksburg. He brought with him a small group of talented men including Clyde . . . — — Map (db m190841) HM
Jewish Community
In 1841 Vicksburg became home to the first established
Jewish congregation in Mississippi, Anshe Chesed,
meaning "men of kindness" in Hebrew. Many of the early
Jewish immigrants came from what is now part of . . . — — Map (db m115441) HM
On April 21, 1875, the Mississippi Dental Association was organized in Vicksburg at the office of Dr. J.B. Askew and Dr. J.D. Miles on Washington Street. Dr. J.D. Miles became its first president. — — Map (db m75627) HM
The Mississippi River Commission (MRC) was established on June 28, 1879 by an Act of Congress. Congress tasked the MRC with the mission to develop plans to improve the condition of the Mississippi River, foster navigation, promote commerce, and . . . — — Map (db m162993) HM
Built 1834. Housed Vicksburg branch, Planters’ Bank of Mississippi until 1842. Occupied by officers of 28th Louisiana Reg. during Vicksburg siege.
Acquired by Vicksburg Council of Garden Clubs, Inc., 1956. — — Map (db m98350) HM
The Columns-Beaulieu (1899)
Built in 1899 by Samuel and Helen Ragan, this home was quite a "Show Piece". The Ragan's owned S.C. Ragan and Company, a large wholesale grocery and produce company.
Millionaires Row
After the Civil . . . — — Map (db m115546) HM
When William McKinley, the 25th president of the United States (1897-1901), visited Vicksburg on May 1, 1901, cotton was “king” in Vicksburg and Warren County, as is evidenced by this arch of cotton bales (each weighing about 450 pounds) that . . . — — Map (db m190968) HM
Seargent Smith Prentiss (1808-1850)
Built before 1837 this was once the office of Seargent Smith Prentiss, a famous lawyer and politician. Prentiss was well known and loved as a remarkable orator. Daniel Webster, one of the foremost . . . — — Map (db m115444) HM
The Great Road, The Jackson Road, Openwood Street, 1501
Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard in Vicksburg, Warren County,
Mississippi.
The Fleckenstein - Coccaro Grocery Store 1839 - 1965
Catherine's Palace 1909 - 1965.
Built in 1839 in the . . . — — Map (db m179428) HM
