One Of The Oldest Working Armitage Herschell Carousels In The Country Is Right Here In Mississippi

Mississippi is full of hidden gems, and the Armitage Herschell Carousel at the E.E. Bass Cultural Arts Center is one of them. Far from your typical carousel, this one is extremely unique. In fact, it's one of the oldest of its kind in the U.S. and you won't find another like it in the South. Take a look:

The E.E. Bass Cultural Arts Center is located in downtown Greenville.

At first glance, it looks like a school – and that’s no coincidence. The structure that houses the center was built in 1916 as the first public high school in the Mississippi Delta.

Still educating those who enter, the building is now a thriving cultural arts center, which houses a gallery, ceramics studio, visual arts studio, exhibits, and a carousel - but not just any carousel.

Extremely rare, it’s one of the two oldest working Armitage Herschell carousels in the country and the only one in the South.

Built around 1894 and brought to Greenville in 1901, it’s described as a “primitive two-row track country-style” carousel.

A true work of art, its 24 horses and four chariots were hand-carved from poplar wood. Not only was the carousel carved by hand, but it was painted by hand, too.

You can do more than admire the carousel’s impressive craftsmanship from afar, though.

In addition to being open periodically for rides, the carousel can be rented for parties and private events. And from time to time, the cultural center hosts events centered around the carousel.

For more information, call the E.E. Bass Cultural Arts Center at (662) 332-2246. You can also visit the Greenville Arts Council website or the E.E. Bass Cultural Arts Center Facebook page.

So, did you know about this unique antique carousel? Ever seen it in person? Or went for a ride on it? If so, what’d you think? Tell us in the comments section.

This isn’t the only historic carousel in the state. Read about another here.