10 Of The Most Inspiring Monuments And Memorials That Mississippi Has To Offer
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Daniella DiRienzo
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Throughout the country, local history and prominent citizens are commemorated with monuments and memorials — and Mississippi is no exception. In fact, we’ve got some pretty incredible monuments and memorials here in the Magnolia State; here are 10 of the most inspiring.
No list of monuments and memorials would be complete without a mention of Vicksburg National Military Park. With more than 1,340 monuments, markers, tablets, and plaques, it’s one of the most densely monumented battlefields in the entire world! Vicksburg National Military Park is located at 3201 Clay St., Vicksburg, MS 39183.
If anyone deserves a statue on the Gulf Coast, it’s Joseph T. Jones. Not only is he credited with the founding of Gulfport, but he also played a huge role in the city’s growth and development in the early 1900s. Located at the corner of Highway 90 and 21st Ave. in Gulfport, the marble memorial is a must-visit for any local.
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Pivotal to the Civil Rights Movement, Fannie Lou Hamer is more than deserving of the memorial established in her honor. A great visit for all ages, the site includes a beautiful memorial garden with several plaques depicting Hamer’s contribution to the movement. Visit the memorial at 929 Byron St., Ruleville, MS 38771.
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Located in Tupelo’s Veterans Park, this memorial pays tribute to those who lost their lives in the Vietnam War. It’s identical to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall in Washington D.C., just slightly smaller. A visit is sure to be a reminder of the profound gratitude we should have for our military and their sacrifices. Visit the memorial at 800 N Veterans Memorial Blvd., Tupelo, MS 38804.
Located in Columbus’ Friendship Cemetery, the Angel of Grief statue is "one of the most photographed ladies in Columbus, her image gracing magazines, brochures, and gallery walls." The 118-year-old statue, which marks the grave of Rev. Thomas Cox Teasdale, was purchased by his congregation. According to records, it’s meant to imply, "When he died, even the angels wept." Friendship Cemetery is located at South 4th St., Columbus, MS 39701.
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If you ever needed proof that good things come in small packages, just pay a visit to this Pass Christian Park. In addition to incredible views of the Gulf of Mexico and a playground, the park features a walking path lined with several monuments. Visit the park at Fleitas Ave., Pass Christian, MS 39571.
Most people think the Elvis Presley Birthplace only consists of the King’s childhood home, but that’s not true. There’s also a memorial fountain, lake, and chapel. Even if you’re not a fan of Elvis, you can definitely appreciate a visit to the charming church, which was completely funded by fan donations. The chapel is located at 306 Elvis Presley Dr., Tupelo, MS 38804.
This beautiful monument, which is located in Natchez City Cemetery, overlooks the headstones of the five employees who died in an explosion at the Natchez Drug Company in 1908. Over the years, it’s come to be known as "The Turning Angel" because, according to the cemetery’s website, "at night when cars drive by on Cemetery Road their headlights shine upon the monument and to some it appears to turn as their car passes by." Natchez City Cemetery is located at 2 Cemetery Rd., Natchez, MS 39121.
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Incredibly moving, the large stone walls of this memorial contain the names and pictures of Mississippi servicemen who didn’t make it home from Vietnam. The grounds also include a helicopter, reproduced mast from a battleship, and a memorial dedicated to the pioneers that settled Ocean Springs. The memorial is located at 3704 Bienville Blvd., Ocean Springs, MS 39564.
Located in Biloxi, this sculpture depicts the high-water mark reached during Hurricane Katrina. It also serves as a memorial to those who lost their lives in the storm. The grounds also include a Hurricane Camille Memorial and the Church of the Redeemer Memorial. Check it out at 133 Main St., Biloxi, MS 39530.
So, ever visited any of these monuments or memorials? Have one to add to the list? Tell us in the comments section.
If you enjoyed this, you’ll enjoy reading about the intriguing grave sites that fill the state. Click here for more.
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