When it comes to vacations, most people never think about Columbus, MS. While this is the case, the city actually has a lot to offer including history tours Columbus MS. For, there are numerous antebellum style homes, antique shops, delectable dining, annual events and the Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway. As such, with a rich historical heritage, the city can be the perfect destination for a quick get away or long stay for anyone whom loves classic Southern architecture, gentle kind hospitality, good food, fun and entertainment.
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.
As the Civil War took place in this area, American history is alive and well in Columbus. For, the town provided services including cannons, handguns and was the arsenal for gun powder manufactured in the city. Whereas, the city also served as a hospital town for wounded civilians and soldiers.
While the Union Army ordered an invasion of the city, a Confederate General by the name of Nathan Bedford Forrest stopped the invasion before it began. The event is well documented in the book The Battle of West Point by John McBride, including stories of the many casualties who were sent to the hospital from the Battle of Shiloh and thousands which would later be buried in the local cemetery.
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.
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.
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.
As the Civil War took place in this area, American history is alive and well in Columbus. For, the town provided services including cannons, handguns and was the arsenal for gun powder manufactured in the city. Whereas, the city also served as a hospital town for wounded civilians and soldiers.
While the Union Army ordered an invasion of the city, a Confederate General by the name of Nathan Bedford Forrest stopped the invasion before it began. The event is well documented in the book The Battle of West Point by John McBride, including stories of the many casualties who were sent to the hospital from the Battle of Shiloh and thousands which would later be buried in the local cemetery.
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.
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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