This Road Trip Takes You To The Most Fascinating Historical Sites In All Of Mississippi
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Daniella DiRienzo
Author
There’s a lot of history in Mississippi. Even better, there are plenty of places where you can experience that history firsthand. And while no one road trip could possibly include all of the state’s historical sites, this route leads to some of the most fascinating. Take a look:
Spanning 514 miles, this road trip can be completed in just under 10 hours. Of course, you can always alter the route to suit your needs/time constraints. Simply click on the link underneath the map to change the route.
Loaded with beautiful views and a ton of history, this trail follows an abandoned lumber railroad and leads through forests, savannahs, and swamps straight to a POW camp from WWII. The trail is 12 miles, but don’t let the length deter you. There are three different trailheads, so you can shorten the trek or drive straight to the POW camp. The recreation area even includes a campground, so you can stay overnight if you choose.
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Nestled deep in a Lorman forest, this is one of the more obscure sites on the list but well worth the effort. The plantation, which dates back to the 1800s, has played a significant historical role not just here in Mississippi, but in Africa as well. And that’s because the slaves freed from this plantation made their way to Africa and discovered Liberia. The Archaeological Conservancy took ownership of Prospect Hill in 2011 and opens to the public periodically. Be sure to check their website prior to your visit.
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Unlike any other site in the country, the Windsor Ruins are considered the "most imposing ruins in the United States." The ruins, which include 23, 45-foot tall columns and a few pieces of cast iron balustrade, are all that remain of what was once one of the most impressive homes in Mississippi. Today, you can tour the ruins any time during daylight hours, free of charge.
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No history-inspired road trip would be complete without a visit to the famed Vicksburg National Military Park. Spanning 1,800 acres, there’s plenty to see, including cannons, monuments, and a museum, which features the USS Cairo, an ironclad warship. Sunk by the Confederacy, the Union vessel was raised after more than a century under water.
Stop by Weidmann’s – Mississippi’s oldest restaurant - for a historic experience your taste buds will never forget. In business since the late 1800s, the renowned restaurant has it all – a mouthwatering fare, historic atmosphere, and one truly incredible past, which the servers are more than happy to tell you about.
Located in Meridian’s Highland Park, the Dentzel Carousel is one of only a few two-row Dentzel menagerie carousels left in the world. An incredible, hand painted work of art, it was purchased in 1909 for $2,000. Today, it’s estimated to be worth more than $1 million! For some old-fashioned fun, take a spin on the carousel – a ride will only cost you 50 cents.
A stop along the Natchez Trace Parkway, this historic village includes several buildings from the past, a museum, café, and inn, which means you can easily spend all day (and night) at this hidden gem.
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This stunning chapel is located on the campus of Mississippi State University. Aside from its beauty, it’s this chapel’s history that makes it interesting. Chapel of Memories is built from bricks salvaged after the Old Main Dormitory burned down in 1959.
This is only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to historic sites in Mississippi. Which ones would you add to the route? Tell us in the comments section.
Looking for another road trip that’s worthy of your bucket list? Click here.
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