Major Landmarks of Jackson, Mississippi

Jackson, Mississippi is the capital and most populous city of the state of Mississippi. It is a historic city with many important landmarks that showcase its unique culture and heritage. Here is an in-depth look at some of the major landmarks of Jackson.

The State Capitol

The Mississippi State Capitol is an historic building that houses the state legislature and governor’s office. Completed in 1903, this National Historic Landmark has a dome that rises 180 feet above the city. Some highlights include:

Exterior Architecture

• The building is an excellent example of Beaux-Arts style architecture. It features manyneoclassical elements like ionic columns, symmetrical shapes, and elaborate ornamentation.
• The dome is covered in terra-cotta tile imported from Ludowici, Italy. It took master craftsmen 4 years to complete the intricate designs.
• Statues honoring famous Mississippians surround the grounds. These include Jefferson Davis, James Z. George, and J.Z. George’s wife who was a prominent temperance movement leader.

Interior Design

• Marble staircases, grand chandeliers, and brass decorations adorn the interior.
• The rotunda under the dome features a beautiful medallion floor pattern.
• An intricate stained glass dome ceiling allows natural light to filter in. Each state is represented by a stained glass seal.
• The halls are lined with busts of vice presidents, governors, and other prominent Mississippi politicians.

Legislative Chambers

• The Mississippi Senate and House of Representatives meet in lavish chambers on either side of the rotunda.
• Chandeliers, velvet curtains, and leather chairs decorate the rooms. The desks are made of mahogany and walnut.
• The chambers contain galleries for visitors to view ongoing legislative sessions.

Jackson Zoological Park

This zoological park opened in 1919 and is home to over 200 animals. Some highlights include:

• Endangered species like bald eagles, red pandas, and gibbons live at the park.
• The Mississippi Swamp exhibit showcases alligators, turtles, and other native wetland creatures.
• Lemur Island is a unique exhibit featuring ring-tailed and red ruffed lemurs. Guests can walk through and interact with these energetic primates.
• The zoo has one of the largest collections of chimpanzees in the country. The primate exhibits have tunnels through the chimp habitats.
• Barnyard petting zoo, reptile house, lion habitat, and aviary round out the animal attractions.
• Nature trails, picnic pavilions, gift shop, and food court provide amenities for guests.

Mississippi Museum of Art

This art museum opened in 1911 and has over 7,000 pieces in its permanent collection. Some things to see include:

The Art of Mississippi Gallery

• Traces the history of Mississippi art from early indigenous works to contemporary pieces.
• Features pottery, sculpture, paintings, and more from Mississippi artists.

The Cassidy Collection

• Over 400 pieces of American art gifted by Jackson native Lee Cassidy.
• Includes seminal works from distinguished artists like Albert Bierstadt, Thomas Moran, and Winslow Homer.

Temporary Exhibitions

• Rotating exhibits highlight styles like impressionism, folk art, outsider art, and modernism.
• Frequent exhibitions feature important regional artists.

Family Programs

• Weekly family days with guided tours, hands-on art stations, and other activities.
• Summer art camps for kids of all ages are offered.

Mississippi Civil Rights Museum

This museum tells the story of Mississippi’s role in the American Civil Rights Movement. Key aspects include:

Original Artifacts

• The handwritten casket invoice from Emmett Till’s funeral.
• The rifle that killed Medgar Evers.
• A burned cross from the property of civil rights activist Vernon Dahmer.

Powerful Exhibits

• Replicas of segregated Southern lunch counters staffed by animatronic figures.
• A replica “freedom bus” from the 1961 freedom rides.
• An immersive simulation of early voting rights marches.

First-Person Accounts

• Films of civil rights leaders like Fannie Lou Hamer discussing their experiences.
• Oral history from participants in the Mississippi movement.
• Interactive multimedia displays with photos, videos, and commentary.

Fondren Neighborhood

Fondren is a vibrant district known for its restaurants, nightlife, art galleries, and boutiques. Key attractions include:

Shopping

• Local art galleries like Southside Gallery showcase works from Mississippi creators.
• Vintage and consignment shops abound, like Aggie & Mae’s and Material Girls.
• Babalu Tapas and Drinks offers a huge selection of wines.

Dining

• Walker’s Drive-In has been a popular burger joint since the 1930s.
• Saltine Restaurant and Bar is known for contemporary Mississippi cuisine.
• Brent’s Drugs serves homemade meals alongside their classic pharmacy soda fountain treats.

Nightlife

• Martin’s Lounge features live music from indie rock bands and singer-songwriters.
• Library Sports Bar & Grill hosts trivia nights and shows major sports matches.
• Fondren Public is a neighborhood coffee shop with a trendy vibe.

Mississippi Museum of Natural Science

This museum has exhibits covering Mississippi’s natural environment and ecosystems. Highlights include:

Native Mississippi Wildlife

• A 2,500 gallon aquarium filled with fish from the Gulf of Mexico. See sharks, stingrays, tarpon and more up close.
• Recreated Mississippi habitats like wetlands, prairies, and forests containing taxidermies of bear, deer, wild turkey, bald eagles, and other animals.

Fossils & Geology Exhibits

• A collection of fossils recovered from archaeological sites around Mississippi.
• Interactive exhibits demonstrating how fossils form and simulating paleontological excavations.
• Displays on the geological regions of Mississippi like the coastal plain, loess hills, and black prairies.

Hurricane Katrina Exhibit

• Artifacts recovered after the devastating 2005 hurricane like chunks of bridges, ruined appliances, and waterlogged furniture.
• Oral histories from survivors played alongside timeline videos of the storm’s progression.

Planetarium & Classroom

• The planetarium hosts changing shows about space, galaxies, and aeronautics.
• Science labs for visiting student groups offer hands-on biology, chemistry, and physics activities.

Thalia Mara Hall

This historic performing arts venue opened in 1968 and hosts major music, theatre, and dance acts. Notable features include:

Ornate Interior

• Plush red seats fill the intimate auditorium.
• The domed ceiling and crystal chandeliers create a glamorous old world ambience.
• Walls display portraits of past governors and cultural icons.

Famed Performers

• Legends like Aretha Franklin, Louis Armstrong, and Bob Dylan have graced the stage.
• It’s been a tour stop for acclaimed contemporary artists from Yo-Yo Ma to Kendrick Lamar.
• Top Broadway shows and dance companies like Alvin Ailey make regular appearances.

Local Community

• Home stage for the Mississippi Opera and USA International Ballet Competition.
• Hosts events by the Mississippi Symphony Orchestra, Jackson Ballet, and other local performers.

Mississippi Children’s Museum

This museum uses interactive exhibits to inspire learning through play. Popular areas include:

Literacy & Math

• Toddler-sized grocery store for counting games and shape identification.
• Life-size pop-up books to practice reading comprehension.
• Magnetic word building activities teach phonics and vocabulary.

Mississippi Cultures

• Native American teepee and dugout canoe to roleplay ancient life.
• Giant floor map highlights the state’s counties, rivers, and cities.
• Music lab with drums, xylophones, and other instruments to mimic regional musical styles.

Additional Exhibits

• A mini medical center for playing doctor.
• Building zone with wooden blocks, hard hats, and toy power tools.
• Arts and crafts area with materials for sculpting, painting, and more.

Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame & Museum

This museum honors the greatest sports heroes from Mississippi. Highlights include:

Mississippi’s Pro Athletes

• Artifacts and exhibits honoring Walter Payton, Jerry Rice, Brett Favre and other football greats.
• Displays chronicling Cool Papa Bell, Dizzy Dean, and other local baseball legends.

College Sports History

• Interactive exhibits reliving key moments in Ole Miss and Mississippi State football.
• Showcases of outstanding MSU and UM coaches and players.

Mississippi Olympians

• Profile of track and field medalist Ralph Boston.
• Overview of other gold medalists with Mississippi ties like siblings Morgan and Emily Knight.

High School Sports

• Exhibit on the basketball dynasty of Amanda Elzy High School led by coach Robert Alberta. The team won multiple national championships in the 1970s.
• Display honoring the Velma Jackson High School girls track team that went undefeated for over 25 years.
• Showcase of outstanding football and basketball players from Jackson high schools like Callaway and Provine.

Additional Exhibits

• Overview of famous golfers from the state like Hubert Green, Mark Calcavecchia, and Fred Couples.
• Spotlights on Mississippi’s impact in tennis, soccer, boxing, and other sports.
• Interactive exhibits like a pitching cage, vertical jump measure, and football combine drills.

Eudora Welty House

This historic house museum preserves the former home of acclaimed author Eudora Welty. Highlights include:

• The Tudor Revival style house was built in 1925 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
• Features original furnishings like Welty’s typewriter, bookshelves, and family photographs.
• The tropical garden that inspired Welty’s writing is preserved on the grounds.
• Rotating exhibits spotlight aspects of Welty’s life like her photography and travels.

Old Capitol Museum

The original Mississippi state capitol building now houses a history museum. Interesting features include:

• One of the oldest capitol buildings in the country, completed in 1839. It exemplifies Greek Revival architecture.
• Legislation like the Ordinance of Secession was signed here when it served as capitol until 1903.
• Exhibits describe key events in Mississippi’s history using documents and artifacts.
• The House of Representatives and Senate chamber exhibits showcase the building’s historic legislative spaces.

Smith Park

This scenic park borders the Pearl River and offers many recreational opportunities. Amenities include:

• 7 miles of wooded walking trails that also connect to the Pearl River Waterwalk.
• Picnic areas with pavilions, grills, and tables overlooking the river.
• Canoe and kayak launches provide access to the river waterway.
• 18-hole disc golf course winding through the park.
• Nature center with educational exhibits on the river environment. Offers kayak rentals and programs.

LeFleur’s Bluff State Park

Mississippi’s first state park provides more outdoor activities just minutes from downtown. Features include:

• The Mayes Lake recreation area offers fishing, boating, and swimming.
• 15 miles of wooded hiking and biking trails. Some paths follow abandoned railroad tracks.
• Golf course with 18 championship holes set along the river valley.
• Campground with RV sites, cabins, and primitive camping for overnight visits.

Jackson Zoo and Garden

In addition to the main zoo, this attraction contains botanical gardens with diverse exotic plants. Areas include:

• Camellia and azalea gardens with hundreds of colorful blooms.
• Japanese garden with torii gates, koi ponds, and rock sculptures.
• Organic vegetable garden tended by community volunteers and school groups.
• Nature-themed sculpture walk with carved bears, eagles, frogs, and other creatures.

Farish Street Historic District

This historic African American business district is seeing revitalization. Points of interest include:

• Restored blues clubs where artists like B.B. King and Duke Ellington once performed.
• Historic black colleges like Jackson State University and Tougaloo College founded in the late 1800s.
• Churches that served as centers of the civil rights movement like Mt. Helm Baptist Church.
• The historic Big Apple Inn still serving their trademark pig ear sandwiches.

Jackson Municipal Art Gallery

This gallery located downtown aims to make visual art accessible. It features:

• Exhibits by local Mississippi artists showcasing varied styles and media.
• Selections from the City of Jackson’s collection of over 500 artworks.
• Classes, lectures, and other public programs offered year-round.
• Meeting spaces available for local arts organizations to use.
• Gift shop with unique handmade crafts, jewelry, and more from local artisans.

Conclusion

From historic landmarks like the governor’s mansion to lively cultural attractions like the zoo and children’s museum, Jackson has many iconic institutions that reflect its heritage.

Important history lives on in sites like the civil rights museum, while neighborhoods like Fondren represent Jackson’s vibrant future.

The city offers many avenues to experience Southern culture through art, music, food, and the natural landscape. The unique blend of old and new makes Jackson a distinctive capital city.