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Top Five Western Deep South National Heritage Areas
Mississippi and Louisianna Gulf Coast National Heritage Areas
There are five National Heritage Areas (NHA) in the Mississippi and Louisiana region - what I have dubbed the Western Deep South. This lens will share some highlights of each of the five as well as a little general NHA information.
This region is steeped in cultural and historic richness with many national entities having played roles in the area over many, many years. Come along on this journey today... perhaps join us in visiting the area as a Heritage Tourist in the future.
Image of the reverse side of the Mississippi State Quarter, courtesy of Wikimedia Commons.
The Top Five Western Deep South National Heritage Areas - Missississippi and Louisiana locations
- Mississippi Hills National Heritage Area
This NHA geographically covers most of the state of Mississippi except along the Mississippi River and the Gulf Coast. This region is full of Civil War history among other distinctions. - Cane River National Heritage Area
This NHA in northwestern Louisiana is mostly rural and agricultural rich in Creole architecture and a multi-national heritage. - Atchafalaya National Heritage Area
Atchafalaya means long river. This NHA streches across 14 parishes of south-central Louisiana. - Mississippi Delta National Heritage Area
This NHA spans the Mississippi Delta region of Louisiana. - Mississippi Gulf Coast National Heritage Area
This NHA covers six counties within the Mississippi Coastal Plan. I borders the Gulf of Mexico.
Story about Corinth, Mississippi, Civil War sites
Corinth, Mississippi, was the center of Civil War activity in the west 150 years ago this summer following the April 1862 Battle of Shiloh across the border in Tennessee. Corinth was a crossroads town where east-west and north-south major railroads met. It was a strategic location for both Union and Confederate forces in the Civil War fighting.
- Corinth, Mississippi, an historic site 150 years ago this summer
This story recommends how you, as a Heritage Tourist might want to plan a visit to the relevant sites of the Civil War actions in this area 150 years ago this summer.
Corinth in the Civil War
Mississippi Hills National Heritage Area
Tupelo, Mississippi, best known as birthplace of Elvis Presley
Tupelo is one of many cities, towns and communities in the Mississippi Hills NHA that if full of cultural and historic places and stories. It is home to the Tupelo National Battlefield as well as the birthplace of Elvis Presley. Presley changed American music forever.
Go to the Mississippi Hills NHA website to see the many other nationally significant stories, places and persons from this region of the country and state.
Photo of Elvis Presley birthplace, courtesy of Wikimedia Commons. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tupelo,_Mississippi
Elvis Presley on Amazon
Mississippi Hills National Heritage Area
This NHA covers most of the land mass of the State of Mississippi, bounded on the west by I-55, on the south by Highway 14, and on the north and east by the statelines.
A partial list of famous persons from the area includes: William Faulkner, John Grisham, Elvis Presley, Tammy Wynette, Tennessee Williams... and Oprah.
Davy Crockett raises horses here and Andrew Jackson marched his troops down the Natchez Trace. What else can you find?
- Mississippi Hills National Heritage Area
The official website of the NHA provides a wide selection of information from which to choose what interests you the most. Check it out, and come back. ;-)
John Grisham on Amazon
Cane River National Heritage Area - 35 Miles on both sides of the Cane River
Extending from just south of Natchitoches, the oldest permanent settlement in the Louisiana Purchase, the NHA includes 7 National Historic Landmarks, 3 state historic parks, the Cane River Creole National Historical Park, and much, much more in the way of historic and cultural attractions.
- Cane River National Heritage Area
French and Spanish realms came together in the New World along the Cane River. Much of this 116,000 acre NHA is privately owned, but there are many public sites to enjoy as well.
Natchitoches, LA
Photo of the Cane River Riverwalk in Natchitoches, LA, courtesy of Wikimedia Commons. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Natchitoches,_Louisia...
Atchafalaya National Heritage Area - 14 parishes in south-central Louisiana
On the maps, look for the 1) Upper Region, 2) Between Two Rivers Region, 3) Bayou Teche Corridor Region, and 4) Coastal Zone Region.
Note specific links to Cultural Heritage, Natural Heritage, Sustainability, Resources and About on the website.
- Atchafalaya National Heritage Area
Well known for the Cajun descendants of French-speaking Acadians, this NHA's complex racial and ethnic mix is reflected in its distinctive architecture, music, language, food and festivals.
Atchafalaya River
The NHA runs about 150 miles along the river
The river-swamp ecosystem is habitat to more than 85 species of fish, 200 species of birds, alligators, black bear and other wildlife.
You can spend a day paddling under live oaks dripping with Spanish moss and through cypress tree forests.
Photo is the delta of the Atchafalaya River looking northwest, courtesy of Wikimedia Commons. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Atchafalaya_River
Mississippi Delta National Heritage Area - The source of the "Great Migration" north, to Chicago and Detroit
- Mississippi Delta National Heritage Area
The three icons of the Delta are: The River, the Plantation, and the Juke
Dockery Farms Plantation
"It is widely regarded as the place where Delta blues music was born"
Founded in 1895 by Will Dockery, Dockery Farms is the quintessential delta plantation.
What is the Juke? Follow the links to find the answer.
Photo image of Dockery Farms Plantation, typical of the plantations of the Delta, courtesy of Wikimedia Commons. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dockery_Plantation
Mississippi Gulf Coast National Heritage Area - Cities along I-10 are included in the HNA
Biloxi, Bay St. Louis, Gulfport
- MGCNHA
Includes cities along including Biloxi where we lived for five month in 1964.
Biloxi, Mississippi - in the Mississippi Gulf Coast NHA
Typical of cities across 1-10 on the Gulf Coast
My family and I lived in Biloxi (actually D'Iberville) while I was in the Air Force Ground Officer Electronics School at Keesler Air Force Base in the last five months of 1964 - before the big hurricanes hit. I have photos of my family in front of this Lighthouse, then, somewhere. It was, and is, very distinctive.
Built in 1848 and 'reputed to be one of the most photographed objects in the American South."
Image of the Biloxi Lighthouse, courtesy of Wikimedia Commons. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Biloxi,_Mississippi
Which of the five NHAs would top your planning list?
Choose your top NHA for a future vacation
Your Comments on this Western Deep South NHAs appreciated!
Interesting places to visit Bill, I have always wanted to make the trip, as the history is so deep :)
I've never visited this part of the country and would love to take some time to explore it!
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@DeborahDian: The NHAs are well worth a second look, for sure! ;-)
I love your series about the national heritage areas. I see there are a lot of interesting places I would like to see!
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@iamraincrystal: Thanks! Hope you make it one day! ;-)
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@AlleyCatLane: Good for you! Do it! ;-)
Wow lovely photos! ^_^ I hope to one day get to visit the nice places in the US.
I'd like to go to Natchitoches, LA . I have some ancestors that settled there and would like to do some genealogy research.
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@KandDMarketing: Great to hear... my Heritage Tourism series should be of interest, then. See my Heritage Tourism Lensography. ;-)
Lots of good stuff here. My wife and I tend to wander places that have significance, rather than touristy money traps. This gives us a few more targets to shoot for! Thanks!
Look interesting. Thank you for sharing this information.
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