When most people think of vacations, Columbus, Mississippi rarely comes to mind. For, what most people do not know is that area is rich in history. As such, there are a number of Antebellum Home and other history tours Columbus MS which take place throughout the year. In addition, there are quaint antique shops, restaurants, annual festivals and the unforgettable Tennessee-Tomigbee Waterway which is a favorite among tourists and locals.
Originally founded in 1819, and originally believed to be in Alabama, the town was first recognized by the Alabama Legislative Act as the town of Columbus on December 6, 1819. Originally known as Possum Town, a name provided by the local Chickasaw and Choctaw tribes before becoming incorporated. To this day, Possum Town remains the nickname for the city among local townies and the few Native Americans which reside in the area.
Not long after founding the city, the townspeople established Franklin's Academy. The school remains open and operating and is known as being the first public school in Mississippi. Originally having sat on the other side of the border in Alabama, a boundary had to be moved in order for the school to receive this honor.
The Civil War made a huge impact on the town. For, the city provided artillery, equipment and services to soldiers and civilians during the war. In fact, the town was considered one of the best hospital towns during that time for serving soldiers and civilians, regardless of political affiliation.
While an order went out to the Union Army to invade the town, Nathan Bedford Forrest prevented the invasion before it began. An event which is well documented in a book by John McBride titled The Battle of West Point. The book contains different stories regarding the events which took place in the area during the war, including the thousands of soldiers buried at the local cemetery and casualties which were sent to the town hospital.
If anyone has ever wondered where the American holiday known as Memorial Day was born, it was in Columbus. For, a group of women from the town decided to decorate the Confederate and Union gravesites with flowers on April 25, 1866. More recently, Bellware and Gardiner noted this as the first official observance of the holiday in The Genesis of the Memorial Day Holiday in America, published in 2014.
The beautiful antebellum homes and local architecture were spared thanks to Forrest preventing the Union Army from reaching the town, making the city's historic homes one of only two collections and one of the most extensive in Mississippi. The historic homes are open during an annual pilgrimage event in which Columbus residents open homes to tourists from around the world.
One of the most well known, respected and historic figures to come out of Columbus would be that of an attorney by the name of Jacob H. Sharp. Sharp, represented the city in the House of Representatives after having been elected twice to the State House. The attorney also served as Brigadier General in the Confederate Army and owned the city's local independent newspaper.
Originally founded in 1819, and originally believed to be in Alabama, the town was first recognized by the Alabama Legislative Act as the town of Columbus on December 6, 1819. Originally known as Possum Town, a name provided by the local Chickasaw and Choctaw tribes before becoming incorporated. To this day, Possum Town remains the nickname for the city among local townies and the few Native Americans which reside in the area.
Not long after founding the city, the townspeople established Franklin's Academy. The school remains open and operating and is known as being the first public school in Mississippi. Originally having sat on the other side of the border in Alabama, a boundary had to be moved in order for the school to receive this honor.
The Civil War made a huge impact on the town. For, the city provided artillery, equipment and services to soldiers and civilians during the war. In fact, the town was considered one of the best hospital towns during that time for serving soldiers and civilians, regardless of political affiliation.
While an order went out to the Union Army to invade the town, Nathan Bedford Forrest prevented the invasion before it began. An event which is well documented in a book by John McBride titled The Battle of West Point. The book contains different stories regarding the events which took place in the area during the war, including the thousands of soldiers buried at the local cemetery and casualties which were sent to the town hospital.
If anyone has ever wondered where the American holiday known as Memorial Day was born, it was in Columbus. For, a group of women from the town decided to decorate the Confederate and Union gravesites with flowers on April 25, 1866. More recently, Bellware and Gardiner noted this as the first official observance of the holiday in The Genesis of the Memorial Day Holiday in America, published in 2014.
The beautiful antebellum homes and local architecture were spared thanks to Forrest preventing the Union Army from reaching the town, making the city's historic homes one of only two collections and one of the most extensive in Mississippi. The historic homes are open during an annual pilgrimage event in which Columbus residents open homes to tourists from around the world.
One of the most well known, respected and historic figures to come out of Columbus would be that of an attorney by the name of Jacob H. Sharp. Sharp, represented the city in the House of Representatives after having been elected twice to the State House. The attorney also served as Brigadier General in the Confederate Army and owned the city's local independent newspaper.
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