Uniquely Mississippi

As the birthplace of some of the most influential and talented musicians, writers, activists and entertainers in the world, Mississippi offers visitors an incredibly unique opportunity to not only visit significant locations, but to further explore and dive into their story through the state’s four cultural trails.

• Mississippi Blues Trail – The first of the state’s cultural trails (established in 2006,) the Mississippi Blues Trail includes more than 200 markers throughout the state, as well as markers in Chicago, Los Angeles, Louisiana, Tennessee, Norway and France. These historical markers tell the story of the birth and evolution of blues music, ultimately leading to Mississippi’s status as the Birthplace of America’s Music.
• Mississippi Country Music Trail – Ride the Mississippi Country Music Trail to discover the state’s boundless contributions to country music. If you know the Magnolia State for Delta Blues, you will be amazed to meet its multi-talented first cousin. Call it hillbilly, honky tonk, neo-traditional or whatever you choose, country music has deep roots and continues to thrive in Mississippi. Begin your journey by visiting the trail’s first marker honoring the Father of Country Music Jimmie Rodgers in Meridian, which still churns out musical talent to this day with native Todd Tilghman being crowned the latest winner of NBC’s The Voice.
• Mississippi Writers Trail – Cast aluminum markers, shaped like an open book, provide visitors information about the state’s impressive alumni and current class of writers. Launched in 2018, placed markers honor Mississippians such as William Faulkner, Tennessee Williams, Richard Wright, Eudora Welty, Walker Percy and Ida B Wells. Followers of the trail can explore locations with significant meaning to the author – from their respective birthplace, home, gravesite, museum or inspirational locale.
• Mississippi Freedom Trail – 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, it joins other sites in Mississippi as part of the Mississippi Freedom Trail. With 25 markers across the state, this trail helps tell the story of the brave Mississippians who contributed to a movement that change the world. Visitors can do a deeper dive at the Mississippi Civil Rights Museum in Jackson.

Media Contact
Melissa Scallan, [email protected]
View and download assets, visit Mississippi’s Media Hub

If you publish anything as the result of any Visit Mississippi’s story ideas, please let us know so we can share your work across our social media platforms and say thank you!