Discovering Different History Tours Columbus MS

By Henry Cox


While most people never consider Columbus, Mississippi a tourist town, there are a number of activities which could make for an interesting stopover or long stay. For example, the different history tours Columbus MS, many of which can be completed in a few days and all of which include a number of historical locations. In addition, the city plays host to a number of annual events including a pilgrimage of Antebellum homes, music festivals, Civil War re-enactments and others as well as incredible dining and antique shops.

The town, originally founded in 1819 was originally thought to be located in Alabama. Though, the town was recognized by the Alabama Legislative Act on December 6, 1819, and ruled a part of Mississippi. Before becoming incorporated as Columbus, the town was first known as Possum Tribe by the local Choctaw and Chickasaw tribes. Possum Town still remains a favorite nickname for the few Native Americans which live in the area as well as with local townspeople.

City founders, not long after the city had been incorporated, established a local school known as Franklin's Academy. The school remains in operation and is known as Mississippi's first public school. While now located in Mississippi, a boundary had to be moved. For, when first built the school was considered to be in Alabama.

Some of the most important history related to the area is that which took place during and after the Civil War. For, the city provided a number of services and equipment to soldiers and others during that time including gunpowder which was manufactured in the city, cannons and handguns. In addition, the city was a hospital town serving wounded soldiers and civilians.

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.

America can also thank a group of women in Columbus whom decided on April 25, 1866 to decorate the grave sites of the fallen. For, it was this act that resulted in the American holiday now known as Memorial Day in which the citizens of America gives thanks to all those whom have fought and died for their freedom in wars, past and present.

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.

Jacob H. Sharp continues to be one of the most historic and respected individuals in the city's history. For, while having served as a Confederate Brigadier General, Sharp later became an attorney, then was elected to the State House where the representative served two terms representing the city in the State House of Representatives.




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