How to Tour the State Capital of Mississippi

The city of Jackson, Mississippi, dates back to 1821 when it was a trading post originally known as LeFleur's Bluff. The city was named for Major General Andrew Jackson who eventually served as a U.S. president. Today Jackson, serves as an important distribution center because of its location between Memphis, New Orleans, Dallas and Atlanta.

Instructions

1. Tour the Old Capitol, the second capitol building, used from 1832 through 1903. In 1961 it was completely restored and now serves as a museum. Stop at Jackson's third capitol, called the New Capitol, built in 1903. Like many capitol buildings today, it was modeled after the U.S. capitol in Washington, D.C. and today is still the center of government in Mississippi. Contact the Jackson Convention & Visitors Bureau.

2. Step into Southern history when you tour City Hall. Jackson City Hall served as a hospital during the Civil War. Most buildings around it were demolished in the war, but City Hall survived and received a facelift in 1963. Jackson City Hall is open daily.

3. Bring the family to the Community Children's Theater. Started 50 years ago, the theater produces a play once a year for kids from Jackson and outlying areas. Over 10,000 children will visit the annual production completely organized and staged by volunteers.

4. Visit the Eudora Welty House Museum, Eudora's home for the majority of her life. The museum includes over 1,000 books. The large garden, started by her mother, was carefully nurtured by both mother and daughter for the remainder of their lives. The museum located at 1119 Pinehurst Street is only shown by appointment.

5. Wander through the Farish Street Historical District, built in the late 1800s and the only area in Jackson that was mostly residential. The Farish Street Historical District displays the creative architectural styles of African-American builders during that period, and is listed in the National Register of Historic Places.

6. Enjoy the H.T. Sampson Library, a collection of African-American fine art, rare books and African pieces. The H.T. Sampson Library is part of Jackson State University and is located at 700 John R. Lynch Street.

7. Relax at LeFleur's Bluff State Park with over 500 acres of natural beauty. Hike the nature trails, play golf, swim, picnic and fish in the park's lake. There is an RV facility which includes tennis courts, a driving range and a clubhouse.

8. Take a tour of the Mississippi Governor's Mansion, lived in by Mississippi governors since being built in 1841. The mansion was designed by William Nicholas with the desire "to adhere to plain republican simplicity."

9. Educate yourself at Tougaloo College, started in 1869. The Tougaloo Library is home to more than 1,000 pieces of art and relics of the African-American experience and is considered one of the predominant collections of African-American art in the Southeastern United States.