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Columbus, Mississippi

City Guide

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Features of this Destination

Originally called "Possum Town" this quintessentially Southern town is well known to history lovers, for history literally lives here. The streets of Columbus are lined with magnificent pre-Civil War mansions. Columbus is a place where the historic architecture of old Greek columns and cupolas maintains a place of prominence among modern buildings. Inside this amicable blending of buildings is a rare combination of people who respect the best of the past, yet dedicate themselves to fostering a secure business environment that's poised for the future.

The grand old homes found outlying the streets of Columbus are privately owned and beautifully restored. Two homes that are a must see when visiting Columbus are Liberty Hall and Amzi Love, both these homes have remained in the same family since they were built in the 1800's. Some of those homes are now bed and breakfast inns, complete with period antiques and Southern hospitality. From Mardi Gras-like "krewes" that carry on during the annual spring Pilgrimage, to an annual barbecue cook-off contest called the Pigfest, Columbus is a festive town where annual events and celebrations flourish year round.

With such a strong commitment to business and industry, it is noteworthy that Columbus is not short on culture and recreation, either. Columbus is the birthplace of award-winning playwright Tennessee Williams, who won Pulitzers for A Streetcar Named Desire, and Cat on a Hot Tin Roof. Williams's first home, a lovely Victorian structure, is now the Mississippi Welcome Center for the region. The Welcome Center hostesses greet guests and tells about such things as a local observance back in 1866 that became the nation's first Memorial Day. The event inspired the poignant poem, "The Blue and the Gray."

The adjoining terrain is lush and green, with tall timbers and rolling hills to the north and east, while vast, rich prairie land flows out to the south and west encompassing a region known as the "Golden Triangle," and those who know and love the region say that absolutely, the living' is easy here. While visiting, sport fans can enjoy the plentiful sporting events in the area, among the things to see and do: Southeastern Conference college sports, fishing and hunting along the Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway, year-round golf and tennis opportunities and more. Sophisticated shopping, culture, history, arts, delectable cuisine and championship golf courses, Columbus has it all and everything in between.

Columbus offers the best of both worlds: an old-fashioned sense of community and a very progressive attitude toward the present and the future.

Area Attractions

Mississippi Welcome Center Main Street at 3rd Street 800-327-2868 This Victorian Home, turned Welcome Center was the birthplace of the famous author Tennessee Williams.

Friendship Cemetery 4th Street South & 13th Avenue This is the location where the first Memorial Day was said to have been observed. Women of Columbus gathered to decorate the graves of Confederate and Union soldiers alike. A costumed Confederate Officer tells tales of famous crypt residents by candlelight.

Mississippi College for Women This historic campus, along with its grand old brick buildings counts Eudora Welty among its distinguished alumnae.

River Park 185 Nash Road Columbus, MS (662) 327-4700 Bring the entire family for a splash at River Park!

Historic Houses Convention & Visitors Bureau 800-327-2686 Columbus boasts more than 100 antebellum houses. Some are open for tours daily.

Riverhill Antiques 122 3rd Street South 601-329-2669 This shop occupies two Victorian houses and is full of antiques.

TennTom Waterway 601-328-3286 TennTom Waterway is a canal system that links the Tennessee and Tombridge Rivers with the Gulf of Mexico. Visitors can enjoy the Recreation areas, swimming beaches, campgrounds, and marinas.

Lake Lowdes State Park 6 miles Southeast of MS 69 601-328-9182 This 600-acre park invites its visitors to such activities as a swimming beach, water-skiing, fishing, boating, Nature trails, tennis, game fields, picnicking, playground, concession, indoor recreation complex and camping cabins.

Waverly Plantation 10 mi Northwest via US 45, MS 50 near West Point. 601-494-1399 Built in 1852 this mansion has two circular self-supporting stairways leading to a 65 ft. high, octagonal observation cupola. Original gold leaf mirrors and Italian marble mantels continue to adorn this Southern beauty.