The capital city
Glitz, glamour, golf and more
Center of the Blues Universe
c. 1851. Built by Robert D. Smith, a free African-American who operated a carriage service in historic Natchez. Once operated as an inn by Portuguese merchant Jose Bontura.
After a fire destroyed the original building, the lodge was rebuilt by a black mason from Holly Springs, MS. The building served the community in several ways, but was best known as a safe haven for racial injustice, and encouragement.
One of the oldest historically African-American churches in the area. Although it was rebuilt in 1921, church records precede turn-of-the-20th century.
The Freedom Summer Trail is a compilation of historic sites of Freedom Summer 1964 and the Civil Rights Movement in Hattiesburg. The tour begins at the Hattiesburg Visitors Center. Maps and audio tours are available to guide you with narratives describing the significance of each site.
Frisby Park was named for Dr. Noble R. Frisby, a prominent local African-American physician.
Burial site of an 18-year-old, who was the first African-American to receive the Medal of Honor for heroic action during the Vietnam War. A monument has been added to the site.
Honors musicians Gus Cannon, Robert Wilkins and Jim Jackson. Gus Cannon wrote "Walk Right In", which was recorded by the 1960's folk group Rooftop Singers. Blues artists Robert Wilkins and Jim Jackson were Hernando natives.
Born in 1874, Gus Cannon was a banjo player who also “played the jug.” He wrote and first recorded the song, “Walk Right In,” which became a number one hit for the Greenwich Village folk group, the Rooftop Singers in 1963.
c. 1857-1859. Outstanding example of Greek Revival architecture built with skilled slave labor. Used as a hospital for Confederate wounded after the Battle of Raymond.
c.1894. First African-American Catholic Church in Mississippi. A school occupies the main floor, with the sanctuary above. Open daily, no structured tours.