Mississippi has changed a lot over the past century or so – so much so, that it’s hard to imagine what it was like living in Mississippi in the early 1900s. Luckily, we don’t have to rely solely on our imaginations. Old photos, like the 11 below, help paint a clearer picture of what life was like in Mississippi years ago.

1. A trio poses for a picture outside of the train depot in Tupelo, circa 1900.
Wikimedia Commons
2. Snapped circa 1900, Oak Street in Laurel looks like the place to be.
Wikimedia Commons
3. Lined with horses and carriages, Front Street in Hattiesburg sure does look different in this vintage snapshot from 1900.
Wikimedia Commons
4. The Mississippi Normal College class of 1916 poses for a group photo.
Wikimedia Commons
Unbeknownst to many, The University of Southern Mississippi opened as Mississippi Normal College in 1912. Its original purpose was to train and certify teachers.
5. The Mississippi Central Railroad passenger train chugs along, making a stop in Sumrall in this historic snapshot from the early 1900s.
Wikimedia Commons

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6. This postcard from the 1900s depicts Biloxi Art Pottery, a shop opened by famed Mississippi artist George E. Ohr in the 1890s.
Detroit Publishing Company Collection/Wikimedia Commons
7. Time for a beach day! In this 1914 photo, a man dons swimwear at the beach in Bay St. Louis.
Alexander Allison/Wikimedia Commons
8. The American Pickle and Canning Company was part of Wiggins for decades. This vintage shot was snapped in its early days, circa 1912.
Forrest Lamar Cooper/Wikimedia Commons
9. At one time, the Gulf Coast was home to several resorts, including the Great Southern Hotel, which is shown in this 1906 photo.
Detroit Publishing Co/Wikimedia Commons
10. This vintage postcard shows the East Mississippi State Hospital in Meridian, as it appeared in 1908.
Courtesy of the Mississippi Department of Archives and History/Wikimedia Commons
11. A group poses for a photo in 1914 at Mississippi College in Clinton.
Mississippi College/Wikimedia Commons

 

So, what do you think? Has Mississippi changed a lot? Or, has it changed less than you expected? Did any pics surprise you? Tell us!

There’s nothing like looking through old photos! Want to see more retro shots of the state? Click here for 15 pics that are sure to take you back in time.

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