Cool place. But not worth the drive as it is in the middle of nowhere. We were there long enough…read moreto take a couple pictures. Ruins were gated off when we visited.

This man owned 21,000 acres before the Civil War kicked off. Let that soak in. 21,000 acres. As I…read morestood there looking at the remnants of this short-lived plantation home, all I could think of was all the people (specifically slaves) that went into making this mansion and expansive plantation possible during a time in which combines, tractors, and modern day resources were years down the pipeline. I really wish the site offered more insight on the human side of the Windsor Ruins story. You'll find yourself winding down the Natchez Parkway and off the beaten trail to find the columns and crumbling framework of Windsor Ruins. Note that there is now a large fence surrounding the entire home for safety and preservation purposes. Unfortunately, each year the columns are crumbling at an astounding rate and with this site being out in the middle of nowhere, it seems that it could be easily forgotten if not preserved soon. Fun perspective: from the top pergola of the home they were able to see the Mississippi River. The railing you see hanging at the top is from the second story balconies. I can only imagine how tall the ceilings were in this home based on the height and grandiose vibes of the remaining columns. Upon arriving, you'll see a small sign and a few spots to park. If you choose to walk around in the brush- be warned of ticks. (Speaking from firsthand experience here)

Wow, what an incredibly well thought out museum dedicated to the efforts of all those who have and…read morecontinue to contribute to efforts of racial justice in Mississippi. During an open morning in Jackson, we stumbled upon the museum and decided to explore and it was easily one of the most memorable parts of our trip. We started by being welcomed into the space. This museum intentionally documents the history of the civil rights museum specifically as it pertains to Mississippi. One of the docents shared that she volunteers at the museum because she remembers what it was like growing up in Mississippi as a white child and has committed her allyship to ensuring others can understand what she witnessed with a deep desire for a better future for Mississippi. It was amazing that there were other guests visiting the museum not just from other states like us, but from other countries as well! The true treat of the visit was stumbling upon the center of the museum, where the youngest freedom rider to every be imprisoned was speaking to a group of high school soccer players from Texas. He shared his story and how his activism started at such a young age. The high school students and myself were in awe of just his bravery and hearing what it was truly like to fight for what's right at such a young age. This museum tells an important story that sadly isn't over as the fight for equity and equality is never over. Yet, it's inspiring to know that there are committed individuals ensuring that in the deep South, these stories are documented and told for all those to honor and understand.

We were very fortunate to be allowed to tag along a group that was being given a tour/introduction…read moreby the Museum Director, Mr Moore, who was very knowledgeable and gave great highlights to check out. You def need at least a day or so to check out and take in everything. They are closed on Mondays.

This is one of those places the experience is truly dependent upon the person. History does not…read morealways present itself with a rush of excitement or a spectacle to behold. Driving up to the Emerald Mound, one might think to themselves, "Look, a hill covered with grass. How quaint," and then wonder why they made the trip. This is where imagination is key to the experience. Imagine this place a thousand years ago. Imagine the indigenous people and their culture and how vastly different it is from today. We are standing in the exact same place they were. Take the time to read about it and then decide if standing on hallowed grounds aren't worth more than just a grassy hill.

I think most people in the United States know about ruins in the southwest. You may have seen…read moreancient pottery and figurines in museums. You've probably heard about the Navajo, Hopi, and other cultures of that region. The Natchez culture is not unfamiliar, either, but do you know about the mounds scattered in the southeast and the larger ancient Mississippian culture? It was new to me not that many years ago as I first saw pottery of this culture in a museum. I have wanted to see more but there doesn't seem to be a lot of pottery remaining from this period. What about the mounds? Well, what are essentially man-made hills aren't as visually compelling as a desert cliff dwelling, right? It explains why so few tourists visit. Emerald Mound is the second-largest mound in the United States and was an important ceremonial center dating from 1250 to 1600. There is some good information posted but this site is crying out for an interpretive center that could really help tell the story of this ancient culture and bring it to life.

Appreciative of the for-thought to preserve the home of Medgar Evers. He was a civil rights…read moreactivist who was the NAACP's first field secretary in Mississippi. He was a United States Army veteran who served in World War II. He was involved in efforts to overturn racial segregation at the University of Mississippi, end the segregation of public facilities, and expand opportunities for African Americans, including the enforcement of voting rights prior to his assassination on June 12, 1963 in the driveway of his home. He was buried at Arlington National Cemetery (with full military honors).

Medgar Evers (1925-1963) was a pioneering African American civil rights activist and the first…read moreNAACP field secretary in Mississippi, working tirelessly to dismantle segregation and secure voting rights. A World War II veteran, he investigated racist crimes, including the Emmett Till murder, and organized protests. His 1963 assassination in his driveway by a white supremacist brought national attention to the fight for equality. You can visit the house where Evers and his family lived and where Medgar was assassinated. See the reproduction of the bedrooms , the house, the kitchen and appliances as well as one of the bullet holes from a previous drive by shooting. There is even a map of where the assassin was. Very interesting stuff. The house is preserved by the NPS. It's free to enter and there were two rangers there to explain the history.

Barnett Reservoir is a must-see if you are in the Jackson, Mississippi area…read more Barnett Reservoir has a lot of restaurants and parks surrounding it. It is vibrant and definitely a place that inspires tranquility within your soul. I would definitely recommend a visit here.

I love visiting the rez. Always peaceful and relaxing to sit next to water and reflect.read more

Many years ago (when it was drivable) I used to drive across this bridge whenever I had a car load…read moreof kids or out of town visitors and pretend my car stalled mid-way.... all after telling them rumored stories of this Bridge's past. Boy oh boy was it fun to watch them all panic just a little. Or a lot ... sometimes screaming was involved. I still tell everyone the 'stories' associated with this bridge (who knows if they are true or how true) ... if you Google it some of the tales come up and even a 'Mississippi backroads' episode I think it was that included the bridge. One time after I drove across the bridge ... a few days later it apparently had some of its wooden slats collapse and it has been blocked and 'undrivable' ever since. This should not prevent you from visiting. It is a beautiful old iron bridge. Even the marrieds of graffitied names and vulgarities that visitors have littered on its bones does not distract from is lovely form and location. Somehow it may even add to its appeal. I would definitely recommend watching your feet as you cross (there are warning signs to try and prevent you from venturing over - for which I ignore) there are missing and rotting boards the entire length. The beautifully tree lined river rushes beneath and just the sheer quiet (other than the sound of the rushing water) is worth the cautious walk into the middle of the bridge. I still take any visitor I can drag back to Meridian, Mississippi to see this spot. I tell them the stories I had heard about the bridge from 'old timers' as we drive to its remote local. I make them walk the entire length and admire the bridge's bones and the view it affords. No one is ever disappointed. You should go check it out ... you will not be either.

Before coming across this monumnet I had no idea what Woodmen of the World were or ven thier…read moreesistance. Woodmen of the World is the largest fraternal benefit society with open membership in the US. This monument is located on the southeast corner of the Old City Hall in Jackson. It was dedicated in 1912 and is made of Grecian grey granite. It was erected, using slave labor, to honor 36 Woodmen of Mississippi, whose graves were not marked by the customary monument or marker. It cost $7,505.58 to complete. It is interesting to note that this was one of very few structures in Jackson to survive the burnings the city following the Union's taking of this city towards the end of the Civil War and was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1969. This monument is in decent shape, especially given its age, and has a nice paved path that leads to it from different directions. It is in a shaded area and has benches to sit on. It is not a highly trafficked memorial. It is about 14 feet long and has the following engraving: "1912, WOODMEN OF THE WORLD, 1912", "In Memoriam by the Woodmen of the World",and Love - Honor And Remembrance" . You will also see a large WoW medallion on the monument. There is metered street parking out front of the memorial and there are commercial parking lots and additional metered street parking within a reasonable walking distance. This is definitely worth a a few minutes of your time if you are in the area. Anyway, as with most memorials that I have visited and reviewed, I was there less than 10 minutes. You may want to consider planning out additional stops at many of the other attractions, or making this stop part of a larger itinerary to maximize your time and trip.

Not sure why I always visit battlefields and cemeteries, but it actually totally makes sense. I…read morelive on the Eastern USA, where we have experienced the Revolutionary War of Independence and the Civil War. We are war heavy on this side of the country. I have visited most major battlegrounds, forts, courthouses and buildings from these two eras. I don't really consider myself a history buff, yet I have visited several historical places. This park is certainly the most beautiful monument dedicated to war. It is also in a very beautiful setting. Abraham Lincoln donated these lands to preserve the history of the wars, and that was a great decision. Vicksburg is not really an easy access commute from anywhere, visiting here requires effort, and this park is well worth it.

Stunning military park with amazing views where one can imagine the smoke from cannon fire pouring…read moreupwards, I tried to imagine the sounds of multiple cannons , the shouts of men , thousands of gunshots. Incredible place to soak in a key military battle of the Civil war. The grounds and surrounding hillsides are beautiful and well worth the drive through. Our visit culminating with seeing the gunboat ironclad Cairo. I learned so very much about the ironclads in general and the Cairo specifically. If you are any sort of history or Civil War buff this is a must see.