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

[Photo Gallery]

Built in 1857 the mansion is steeped in Civil War history, serving 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.

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  [Photos of the hurricane damage]

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.

Related History Link  The Papers of Jefferson Davis

Manship House Museum

Old Capitol Museum of Mississippi History

The Old Capitol Museum sustained damages due to Hurricane Katrina  and is closed at this time.

Emerald Mound - Indian Burial Site

Mount Locust - On Natchez Trace - Oldest building in MS

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.

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 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 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.

Sitemap of all memorials in the park

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.

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

Museum Index for Other States

Mississippi Census Records

Back to Historical Museum Guide States Index

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