Historic Photos of Mississippi

In Review: Mississippi's history is as thick and rich as the summer heat. Just like a Mississippi summer, I found that the best way to enjoy this wonderful coffee table style book from Turner Publishing was on the front porch with a big tall glass of iced tea.

As a little girl growing up in Vicksburg, I heard the stories of the Civil War, the siege and how the families had to live. Seeing the photo on page 8 brought to life all I heard about the caves dug into the sides of the hills and how families hid from Union troops.

Seeing photos of a covered bridge over the river here in Jackson where prisoners were held piqued my curiosity as to if that is now where the stack exists.

We took our boys to the recently refurbished Meridian Opera house for a play. What a joy to be able to show the original photos from when the Opera house was built and its incredible interior.

My in-laws will be interested in seeing the original photo of Boler Inn in Union. That is my husband's hometown and where General Sherman decided to "stay" when he slashed through central Mississippi.

This book has been divided into time segments:

Civil War and Survival (1860-1899)
The Joy of the Golden Age (1900-1919)
Depression Years and Singing the Blues (1920-1939)
War in Europe and Struggles at Home (1940-1970s)

Not only is this book a historic book about our state, it is a collector's item for anyone who is a Mississippian. It would be an amazing gift for the upcoming Father's Day, a history buff, or as a keepsake for family who may have moved away. As for me, I will be keeping my copy.


Book Review: Imagine a ride with the Mississippi mockingbird as it soars through the Mississippi skies. Beginning in the land of Elvis at Tupelo, one moves down to the Piney Woods of East Central Mississippi where the ground is covered with fragrant pine straw and where Choctaw moccasins once walked the trails. Then turn south where the ocean waves swell upon sandy beaches and sea gulls hover and squawk in the breeze. Continue onward to the mansions of historic Natchez and the cotton fields of the Mississippi Delta where the blues reigns supreme. Finally, swoop down toward Old Man River, the majestic Mississippi, and skim across its yellow waters. The waters have seen war and defeat, loss and love, heartbreaks and triumphs. No sentiments need speaking. Only the sweet songs of the mockingbird are required to understand a land whose beauty is second only to the strength of its people. Through nearly 200 images printed in vivid black-and-white, with brief introductions and captions, Historic Photos of Mississippi takes the viewer on a flightpath to key points of interest in historic Mississippi.