Published: August 20, 2009 10:20 pm      

Come along with me …

How long has it been since you've enjoyed the drive along U. S. Highway 45? If you haven't traveled the thoroughfare recently, then, you are in for a pleasant surprise. The double-lane highway is pristine and a delightful ride with scenery that could be termed as a Scenic Drive. During recent months, I've had the opportunity to motor U. S. Highway 45 from the Tennessee state line to the Alabama state line, with many stops along the way, and I have found it to be a most enjoyable drive.

Please allow me to be your tour guide as we travel – come along with me as we enjoy the drive from Corinth to Meridian.

Yes, we shall begin our journey at the north/east tip of the state, the town of Corinth. The tourism advertisements state, “Corinth, Where History is Only Half Our Story.” I agree. That is a true statement, but mainly because I am a nut about history (no comment, please), I shall begin with the history. Corinth was founded in 1853 as Cross City. The settlement derived the name, because it was the junction for the Mobile & Ohio and Memphis & Charleston Railroads. It was Mr. W. E. Gibson, an editor of the early Corinth newspaper, who suggested the name Corinth for the community. It seemed a logical name for the north Mississippi town, because the ancient Corinth, the city in Greece, also served as a crossroads.

Because of Corinth’s location at the junction of two railroads, it made the area strategically important to the Confederacy as well as the Union forces during the Civil War. Heavy fighting for control of the railroads took place in 1862, and finally the Union Army gained control. The Siege of Corinth, the Second Battle of Corinth, and the Battle of Shiloh, located across the Tennessee state line, left an imprint upon the community that is visible even until present time. But, I must mention the active arts community located at Corinth. Today one can travel through the lovely historic town along Fillmore Street, Foote Street, Cruise Street, and Fulton Drive to enjoy displays of pottery and original artwork that is also available for purchase. Also, there is the active Corinth Theatre/Playhouse and Corinth Symphony Orchestra – all with easy access from U. S. Highway 45.

Next, we will drive south to Tupelo. I'm pretty certain that nearly everyone in the world will know that Tupelo is the birthplace of our Elvis, but I think I will tell you again. Yes, Elvis Presley was born January 8, 1935 at Tupelo, Mississippi. His birth took place at his family home -- a small four-room house without electricity or running water. The house, located at 306 Elvis Presley Drive, Tupelo, may be toured Monday – Saturday, 9am – 5:00pm.

But to borrow a thought from the Corinth tourism leadership – Elvis is only part (a BIG part, yes) of the Tupelo story. While in the area be sure to check out The Tupelo Automobile Museum, The Lyric Theatre, Mississippi Mud Cats Football, The Gum Tree Museum of Art and Bookstore, the Elvis Presley Lake & Campground, and the Bancorpsouth Arena, a $16 million facility designed to accommodate events, the largest of meetings, and many outstanding performances.

Now, we must hurry south on U. S. Highway 45 in order to make a stop at the beautiful small town of Aberdeen, located on the banks of the Tombigbee River, and just a few miles east of the highway. Aberdeen is a city in Monroe County, and in years past was a busy port when cotton was heavily traded in town, and for a time Aberdeen was Mississippi’s second largest city. Located just outside the city, Aberdeen Lock and Dam forms Aberdeen Lake, a popular recreational area that is part of the Tennessee-Tombigbee waterway system. But when I think of Aberdeen, I think of the lovely public library that boast the support of one of the most active Friends of the Library volunteer groups in the state. Go Aberdeen!

Come along now, at this time we will connect with U. S. Highway 45 Alt. and drive to West Point. Ah, lovely West Point -- located in Clay County, and home to Old Waverly recognized as one of Mississippi’s top golf courses, and the Waverly Plantation Mansion as well, located just eight miles east of West Point. The four story cantilevered stair hall and cupola is considered unique in the United States. The mansion is open daily for tours from 9 am to 5 pm. Also, there is a lovely public library located at downtown West Point with an active children’s reading program – over 100 children participate each year.

It is time now to reconnect with U. S. Highway 45. The next stop is Columbus, and who doesn't admire historic Columbus Mississippi? The National Trust of Historic Preservation named Columbus as one of its 2008 Dozen Distinctive Destinations. At Columbus, one will enjoy tree-lined streets and beautiful historic homes. Some of the homes are open for tours – each home has a “wow-factor” that you will not soon forget. The significance of historic Friendship Cemetery, according to local historians, is where the beginnings of Memorial Day took place. Young women of the town decorated the graves of Civil War fallen soldiers, both north and south, thus began the national observance.

Let us continue our trip south to Brooksville where we must stop at the wonderful Ole Country Bakery. The cleanest kitchen in the world, I think, because it is all in view as one may buy a large variety of home baked goods, plus enjoy yummy sandwiches served at lunchtime.

Now we must zip along passing through Macon, located in Noxubee County and situated along the Noxubee River. The town was founded in 1833, and The Jackson Military Road originally crossed Noxubee River just west of Macon at the site of the old Choctaw Village, Taladega. Also, Macon is home to the beautiful and historic Noxubee County Courthouse.

We are close to Meridian now as we scoot pass Scooba, home of “Scooba Tech,” or better known as East Mississippi Community College, founded in 1927, and a vital part of the East Central Mississippi educational community. Now is not the time to blink your eyes as we glide pass Electric Mills, Porterville, Lauderdale, and Marion – each with historic significance, and before you can say M-i-s-s-i-s-s-i-p-p-i, we have arrived, safe and sound, to our destination of Meridian!

Later, through this column, we will enjoy the U. S. Highway 45 tour from Meridian to Mobile. I encourage you to take this little jaunt, from north to south, along U. S. Highway 45, and enjoy Mississippi at its best.





Anne McKee is a writer and storyteller. She lives in Meridian. Anne is listed on the Mississippi Artist Roster, sponsored by Mississippi Arts Commission, as a dramatic and literary artist, storyteller, and as a Teaching Artist. She is active with the arts and educational communities throughout Mississippi.