HEAR THE STORIES OF THE PAST

The stories of Starkville and Oktibbeha County can be found in the rich tapestries woven at each of our local museums, the Starkville Civil Rights Project, and the beauty of the architecture in our historic buildings and districts.

As you experience the heritage tourism opportunities in our town, we hope you will be immersed in the history of blues music, civil rights, antebellum homes and the stories of those who built our community.

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Historic Sites

“Cool Papa” Bell

James “Cool Papa” Bell (1901-1991) was born in Starkville. Renowned as the fastest man to ever play baseball. During his career (1922-1950), Bell played for or managed teams primarily in ..more info

Address: McKee Park

Downtown

Blues Music Trail Marker

Home to several blues artists, Oktibbeha County and Starkville are part of the Mississippi Blues Trail, highlighting artists’ contributions in the area. Big Joe Williams Born in 1903 near the ..more info

Address: 204 Russell St

Website

Attractions

Cotton District

Adjacent to the Mississippi State University campus, the Cotton District was once a substantial cotton mill site and an adjacent area of workers’ homes, shops, and schools. The award-winning redevelopment of ..more info

Address: Starkville

Website

Historic Sites

Episcopal Church of the Resurrection

Built in 1913 ..more info

Address: 105 N Montgomery St

Website

Downtown

First Baptist Church

Organized July 28, 1839. Thirteen original members, one a slave. Used as a Confederate hospital during War Between the States. L. S. Foster, founder of Mississippi Baptist Orphanage, ordained here. ..more info

Address: 106 E Lampkin St

Downtown

First Presbyterian Church

First Presbyterian Church of Starkville is the oldest Presbyterian church in North Mississippi. Organized in 1821 with the Mayhew Mission to the Choctaw Indians. The mission was begun by missionaries ..more info

Address: 307 University Dr

Website