Bringing tragedy and triumph, the 1960s were an extremely eventful decade for both the entire country and the state of Mississippi. From the Freedom Summer to Hurricane Camille, life was changing on a daily basis in Mississippi in the 1960s, and residents were forced to adjust to a new norm. Taken in Mississippi during one of America’s most iconic decades, these 11 photos are absolutely mesmerizing.

1. In 1964, several hundred volunteers set out to eliminate racial boundaries in what would become known as the “Freedom Summer.” This riveting photograph was taken in Mississippi during that historic summer.
Courtesy of the Mississippi Department of Archives and History
The primary goal of the Freedom Summer was the register large numbers of Black voters so that change could be made on a legislative level. Volunteers of all backgrounds also came together to fight discrimination at the polls themselves.
2. An impromptu church service is held on the Mississippi Gulf Coast after Hurricane Camille ravaged the area in August of 1969.
Courtesy of the Mississippi Department of Archives and History
This moving image shows the importance of faith and community in the face of tragedy. Even with their lives in complete shambles, people gathered to worship and commune together.
3. The Ole Miss football team is being led onto the field at Mississippi State University during the 1961 Egg Bowl.
Courtesy of the Mississippi Department of Archives and History
This particular game is called the Egg Bowl because the trophy the teams play for is shaped like a golden egg.
4. Brandon native and winner of the Miss America pageant, Mary Ann Mobley is photographed at local fairgrounds where she performed in 1962 – the same year she appeared on Broadway in a production of the musical “Nowhere to Go But Up.”
Courtesy of the Mississippi Department of Archives and History
After her term as Miss American, Mobley went on to have a successful acting career and remained involved in many charitable organizations.
5. The passing of the infamous crown is captured in this stunning photograph as Miss Mississippi 1960, Pat McRaney, crowns the 1961 queen, Annice Ray Jernigan.
Wikimedia Commons / Courtesy of the Mississippi Department of Archives and History
Pageants were an important way for women to get involved in their communities and showcase their talents. Though they were ridden with misogynistic standards they often did result in new opportunities for women.

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6. Renowned artist and Summit native Marie Hull is photographed practicing her craft, circa 1960.
Courtesy of the Mississippi Department of Archives and History
Throughout her career the artist spanned the genre gamut from impressionism and realism to abstraction and expressionism. In addition to being a working artist she was also a teacher.
7. Taken in 1963, country music star Faron Young is captured serenading a Jackson crowd.
Courtesy of the Mississippi Department of Archives and History
Even in tumultuous times, people were brought together by the artists and could dance to the croons of Faron all together.
8. A crowd gathers in 1964 for Governor Paul Johnson's inaugural parade and ceremonies.
Courtesy of the Mississippi Department of Archives and History
In his inaugural address he spoke out against hate and prejudice and expressed his desire for unity in the state of Mississippi.
9. Hattiesburg residents participated in an unofficial ballot at the Aaron Henry for Governor Rally, which was held in October of 1963.
Courtesy of the Mississippi Department of Archives and History
Voting became crucial during this time as a way to make change on a larger and more permanent scale.
10. On January 22, 1964, hundreds of African-Americans marched for equal rights in Hattiesburg, a day that would forever be remembered as Freedom Day. Taken on that historic day, this photograph shows a “riot squad” marching down Hattiesburg’s Pine Street.
Courtesy of the Mississippi Department of Archives and History
The Freedom Day March is still celebrated to this day.
11. On April 8, 1968, just four days after Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was murdered, a crowd gathered in Hattiesburg to march in his memory. According to local records, 1,500 people came to show their respect for the fallen Civil Rights leader and the movement he was so passionate about.
Courtesy of the Mississippi Department of Archives and History

These vintage photos are worth much more than a thousand words. During a volatile but exciting time of change, photographers captured the energy in the air of Mississippi. What do you think? Remember any of these events? Share your thoughts below.

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Mississippi History

CC | December 21, 2022

Where can I learn more about Mississippi history?

  • Mississippi Civil Rights Museum
  • Museum of Mississippi History
  • Mississippi Museum of Art
  • Old Capitol Museum
  • Eudora Welty House & Garden
  • Grand Village of the Natchez Indians

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