Historic SitesThe largest county in Mississippi has a vast abundance of historical sites. Ante-bellum
homes and sacred Indian mounds. Wildlife and agriculture. Civil War History and the Yazoo
River. All can be found where the Delta meets the rolling hills in colorful Yazoo County. With the proximity to Vicksburg, much of Yazoo County's Civil War history includes skirmishes, artillery, and brigade strikes. Many battles were fought in the Mechanicsburg/Satartia area comprising the unique civil war history of this area. Known as the "largest one area" to be placed in the Historical register at one time, comprising of both residential and commercial areas. The Yazoo Historical District can be viewed through the county's Walking Tour. It is a wonderful way to experience the charm and grandeur of the period. The second largest tributary to the mighty Mississippi, the Yazoo River has been overlooked by historians. Gained its name from the Yazoo Indians whom originally populated the area. This river was also the primary route into the delta region, bringing in the unique people and culture that thrived here. Home to the Casey Jones Railroad Museum and State Park, Yazoo County boasts
the site of the legendary "Cannonball" run, which
wrecked April 30, 1900 in a rural Yazoo County town of Vaughan.
The rail system proved to become a vital life line in and out
of the delta. It is also responsible for the Bentonia Blues
venturing out of the delta region and influencing American music.
Scenic drives, such as Bell Road, located south of Yazoo City ,(pictured to the right) is part of the original road that stretched from Yazoo City to Vicksburg and was used by travelers in the 1820's. The road is a winding narrow path with high cliff walls. Bells were once hung on each end. Wagons rang these bells to signal that a passenger was approaching from one end. At the point that the road overlooks the Delta, one can envision the site of the Yazoo Confederate Navy Yard where the USS Arkansas was built. The name Yazoo comes from a group of Native Americans called the Yazoo. Mysteriously, the Yazoo Native Americans became extinct about 1740, and the meaning of Yazoo has remained a puzzle. Some say it means River of Death, others suggest that it means hunting ground (Yashu). Between Satartia and Holly Bluff are fascinating and rare Native American mounds dating as early as 1500 BC. Historic Sites in YazooCivil War History |
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