vendredi 19 avril 2019

Discovering Antebellum Home History Tours Columbus MS

By Henry Cox


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, founded in 1819 was originally thought to sit in Alabama though was later recognized as Columbus, Mississippi by an Alabama legislative act on December 6, 1819. During that time, the Native Americans were calling the area Possum Town, then once the town was incorporated it became better known as Columbus. Although, locals and the few Native American tribes which reside in the area continue to use Possum Town, which has become a beloved nickname over the years.

The first school, Franklin's Academy was established shortly after the city was founded. Now known for being Mississippi's first public school, it has and continues to serve the children of Columbus whom live in the district. Although, a boundary had to be moved for the school to be recognized as the first public school in Mississippi, as the building originally sat on the border of Alabama.

The Civil War made a huge impact on the town. For, the city provided artillery, equipment and services to soldiers and civilians during the war. In fact, the town was considered one of the best hospital towns during that time for serving soldiers and civilians, regardless of political affiliation.

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.

If anyone has ever wondered where the American holiday known as Memorial Day was born, it was in Columbus. For, a group of women from the town decided to decorate the Confederate and Union gravesites with flowers on April 25, 1866. More recently, Bellware and Gardiner noted this as the first official observance of the holiday in The Genesis of the Memorial Day Holiday in America, published in 2014.

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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