Mississippi History Museums

The source of these great county histories is "Mississippi The Heart of the South" by Dunbar Rowland, LL.D, the director of the Mississippi State Archives.  Published 1925.  Includes interesting history of each county along with some old photos and special materials.

Mississippi Plantations and Antebellum Homes

This great list will provide you with information, photos and the location of many great Mississippi plantations and historic homes.

Grand Village of the Natchez Indians

Located in Natchez, MS, features a history museum, a reconstructed Natchez Indian house and three Indian mounds.

Historic Jefferson College

[History & Photos]

As the first institution of higher learning in the state of Mississippi, Jefferson College was created in 1802 and the first 15 students were enrolled in 1811.  Today, visitors can explore the campus winding through historic gardens, a historic cemetery and inside they will find the dormitory, kitchen and other historic buildings.  Located in the village of Washington, Mississippi.

Natchez National Historic Site

Natchez, Mississippi historic site includes 18th Century, French built Fort Rosalie and antebellum homes - the William Johnson House and Melrose Estate.

Verandah Curlee House Museum

Built in 1857 for Hamilton Mask (a founder of Corinth), the mansion is steeped in Civil War history, and served as a headquarters for the Confederacy.  Currently, restoration efforts are in progress.  Tours are by appointment only.  Located at 705 Jackson Street in Corinth, MS.

Little Red Schoolhouse

Amite County Historical Society on FaceBook

The historic building is the only one left standing after the Amite Female Seminary was completely obliterated by Union soldiers during the Civil War.  Today it holds artifacts and exhibits related to the history of this area of Mississippi.  Operated by the Amite County Historical Society is Located on Clinic Drive in Liberty, MS.

This Mississippi history museum, located in Port Gibson, includes exhibits of Civil War artifacts found locally, an old carriage house which houses a Civil War ambulance, a fire engine, a blacksmith shop and the old Grand Gulf Jail and some historic homes.  Some historic buildings, including Sacred Heart Roman Catholic Church have been moved to this area and can be explored as well.

Hattiesburg Area Historical Society Museum

The museum is devoted to the collection and preservation of historical artifacts, documents, photographs and other items related to the local history of Hattiesburg.  Located in the Hattiesburg Cultural Center at 723 Main Street in historic Downtown Hattiesburg, MS.

Mississippi Armed Forces Museum at Camp Shelby

Focused on the role of Mississippi's military history from the War of 1812 to present day.  The museum honors the service and sacrifice of Mississippi's servicemen and women of all branches.  Located inside building 850 in Camp Shelby through the public gate on  Highway 49.

Beauvoir

Home to Jefferson Davis, president of the Confederacy. Photo taken ca 1923, courtesy of American Memory.

Beauvoir Jefferson Davis Home

The Biloxi home was erected 1855 by James Brown.  It was purchased by Jefferson Davis in 1877.  His literary work "The Rise and Fall of the Confederate Government" was penned in the pavillion of the home.  At one time it as used as a U.S. Veterans Hospital.  Opened as the Jefferson Davis Memorial Library for Southern history research in 1969, it was hit by Hurricane Camille.  It was repaired and served as the library until a new Presidential Library was opened in 1998.  After that time, the home served a museum and reminder of the past heritage of the "South".

NOTE: The Beauvoir home of Jefferson Davis along with the Presidential Library suffered extensive damage from Hurricane Katrina and is currently closed while restoration is in progress.  Sadly, the pavillion, and many other buildings on the property are completely gone in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina.  The home is located at 2244 Beach Blvd. in Biloxi, MS but the grounds cannot be accessed at this time.  UPDATE September 2010: The Grand Opening of the New Jefferson Davis Presidential Library and Museum is set for 2011! 

Related History Link  The Papers of Jefferson Davis

Manship House Museum

This museum was closed in July 2010 for repairs.

Mississippi Agriculture & Forestry Museum / National Agricultural Aviation Museum

Take a journey through time and learn about the agricultural history of Mississippi.  Tour guides show visitors how agriculture and forestry molded the history and heritage of the State of Mississippi.  Museums include the Heritage Exhibit Center, the National Agricultural Aviation Museum, the Fitzgerald Collection, Small Town Mississippi, the Fortenberry-Parkman Farmstead, the Ethnic Heritage Center and the Forestry Auditorium.  Experience the hospitality and charm of rural life.  Located at 1150 Lakeland Drive in Jackson, MS.

The Oaks House Museum (Boyd House)

[Virtual Tour]   [History]

The Oaks is one of Jackson's oldest homes.  The Greek Revival - style cottage was erected about 1853 and it is one of the few structures which survived the burning of Jackson during the Civil War.  The museum is set up to depict the life of an ordinary middle-class family living in the an urban farmstead during the 19th century.  The Oaks House also known as the Boyd House is located at 823 Jefferson Street in Jackson, MS.

Old Capitol Museum

Old Mississippi State Capitol Museum on FaceBook

This beautiful historical building was built in 1839 of limestone and features a copper dome.  The grandeur of this massive old building has made it the most distinguished building in Mississippi.  Originally known as The State House, the Old Capitol building in Jackson, Mississippi served as the state capitol from 1839 to 1903. This historic building was later used as a state office building and since 1961, it has held the state historical museum.  The Old Mississippi State Capitol has been restored to the state of grandeur as it was once known for in it's early days.  Exhibits focus on the history of the building and important state events such as the creation of the 1868 and 1890 Mississippi state constitutions.  This beautiful old building sustained damage from Hurricane Katrina but was repaired and reopened February 7, 2009.  Located at 100 S. State Street in Jackson, MS.

Smith Robertson Museum and Cultural Center

Housed in the old Smith Robertson school building in Jackson, this Mississippi history museum features art, artifacts and photography which depicts the lifestyle and artistic contributions of African Americans from the deep south.  The museum showcases the history of African American Mississippians.  Located at 528 Bloom Street in Jackson, MS.

Emerald Mound - Indian Burial Site

Emerald Mound is one of the largest ceremonial mounds in the United States.  Originally known as the Seltzertown site, the name today is derived from nearby Emerald Plantation of pre civil war days.  The mound is 35 feet high and covers 8 acres.  Emerald Mound is the second largest ceremonial earthwork in the US and it is estimated to have been occupied between 1250AD and 1600AD by ancestors of the Natchez People.  Located on Rural Route 2, NT-143, Tupelo, MS.

Mount Locust Inn and Plantation

Construction of this historical structure was begun during Revolutionary War times by John Blommart as a shelter and resting place for the boatmen who floated boats down the Mississippi River and then had to walk back (known as Kaintucks).  In later years, Mount Locust was the center of the Chamberlain family cotton plantation who occupied the farm and house for 5 generations.  Today it is owned by the National Park Service and has been restored to it's 1820 appearance where visitors use walking paths to see not only the house but the historic sites such as the brick kiln, family cemetery, slave cemetery and sites of the plantation structures.  Life on the Natchez Trace is interpreted for visitors through exhibits about the early travelers, plantation owners and the enslaved African Americans who worked there.  Located at milepost 15.5 on the Natchez Trace Parkway.

Located in Oxford, MS, exhibits include Greek and Roman antiquities, Barnard collection of scientific instruments, a southern folk art collection, the Walton-Young Historic House, William Faulkner's historic home of Rowan Oak and the Seymour Lawrence collection of American art.

Brice Crossroads National Battlefield

The historic site of the famed Civil War battle of June 10, 1864.  Visitors are advised to visit the Brice's Crossroads Visitor and Interpretive Center located near the intersection of US Highway 45 and Mississippi 370 in Bladwyn, MS.

Tupelo National Battlefield

Exhibits include historical agricultural and military objects along with an extensive collection of Native American artifacts and information about the importance of cotton in the Mississippi Delta.  Visitors are offered a glimpse into the past of Leflore County.  Local artwork is displayed as well.  Located at 1908 Highway 82 West in Greenwood, MS.

Columbus Tour of Antebellum Homes 

Explore some of the most beautiful antebellum homes in the south on the Columbus home tour.  Some of the lovely homes visitors will see are the 1848 Amzi Love / Lincoln home, the 1847 Lee home and museum, 1856 Rosedale, the 1875 Tennessee William home and many others.  Visit the Welcome Center at 300 Main Street in Columbus, MS to begin your tour.

Rankin County Historical Museum

Operated by the Rankin County Historical Society, the Rankin County Historical Museum is housed in what was originally the general store of John Cole Atkins.  It was later known as Value Post Office when Atkins became the first postmaster.  Atkins ran his store until the 1930s at which time the McRaes family took over.  It was donated to the Rankin County Historical Society and today holds a collection of historical items related to the history of the area.  The Neely-Wilson is also a part of the museum.  Located at 1415 Government Street in Brandon, MS.

The old Courthouse Museum offers a place to do genealogical research and a look into the history of Tishomingo County, Mississippi.  Housed in the old 1889 courthouse at 203 East Quitman Street in Luka, MS.

Devoted to the history of Tunica County.  Exhibits include prehistory of Native Americans, early exploration, settlement and 19th and 20th century history of Tunica, Mississippi.  Located off Hwy 61 on Museum Blvd in Tunica, MS.  The museum also operates the 1840 Tate Log House in downtown Tunica.

Tunica Riverpark Museum   [Virtual Tour]

The museum is devoted to the history of the great Mississippi River.  Board a 19th century riverboat and enjoy a ride down the Mississippi River from the Riverpark landing which is found at the museum.  Located at One River Park Drive in Tunica, MS.

The museum features artifacts and exhibits related to the early history of Union County, Mississippi.  114 Cleveland Street, New Albany, MS.

History, Culture and Memorials

Encompassing the entire site of the Siege of Vicksburg during the Civil War which lasted from March 29 through July 4th, 1863, the park is a memorial to all who suffered through the conflict of the Civil War.  The monuments are beautiful.  Vicksburg National Cemetery is located on the premises.  Location is 3201 Clay Street, Vicksburg, MS.

Vicksburg Old Court House Museum 

[History]  [Vicksburg Civil War Tour] 

[McCardle Research Library]

Built in 1858, the Old Court House stood watch throughout the Civil War and has hosted Jefferson Davis, Ulysses S. Grant, Booker T. Washington, Theodore Roosevelt and William McKinley.  Today the old courthouse holds historical artifacts and exhibits related to the Civil War, and the local history of Vicksburg.  Housed inside the court house is the McCardle Research Library which contains over 1400 volumes of local history and histories of Warren County families, and historical records.  Located at 1008 Cherry Street in Vicksburg, MS.

Built in 1923, the museum is housed in an old fire house.  Hands-on exhibits and old fire fighting equipment are among the exhibits.  Located at 230 Main Street in Greenville, MS.

Housed inside the 1819 Branch Banking House of the state of Mississippi, the museum focuses on the history of African Americans in Woodville, Mississippi.  Located on the Courthouse Square in Woodville, MS.

Camp Van Dorn WWII Museum  [History]

Former site of a WWII Army Training Camp, the museum offers a look into the history of this short lived military camp.

Location: 138 Main in Centreville, MS.

Rosemont Plantation - Home of Jefferson Davis

Wilkinson County Museum

[Historic Woodville]

Housed in the 1838 West Feliciana Railroad Company office, the museum is devoted to the preservation of Wilkinson County and Woodville history.  Located on the Courthouse Square at the corner of Bank Street and Boston Row in Woodville, Mississippi.

Housed inside the historic home of previous businessman and educator A. J. Oakes, the house is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.  Today visitors will get a glimpse into the lives and heritage of the Oakes family and learn about the artists, craftsmen, musicians, educators and statesman who called Yazoo home.  Located at 332 North Main Street in Yazoo City, MS.

Sam Olden Historical Museum

Focus is on the history of Yazoo's early citizens and events affecting them.  From the Civil War to the great Yazoo City fire of 1904, visitors will learn about the history of Yazoo.  Located in the Triangle Cultural Center at 322 North Main Street in Yazoo, MS.

Museum Index for Other States

Mississippi Census Records

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