Today is a 4 state day: Tennessee, cut across the northwest corner of Georgia, through Alabama to Mississippi. And we gained an hour in Alabama.
Driving through Alabama
Alabama is a state located in the southeastern region of the United States. It is known for its diverse landscapes, ranging from dense forests and rolling hills to picturesque beaches along the Gulf Coast. The state is rich in history and culture, with landmarks such as the Civil Rights Memorial in Montgomery and the USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park in Mobile.
Alabama is also famous for its contributions to music, particularly in the genres of blues, jazz, and country music. The state is home to the Muscle Shoals Sound Studio, which has produced hits for artists such as Aretha Franklin and the Rolling Stones. Additionally, Alabama is known for its vibrant culinary scene, with dishes like fried green tomatoes, shrimp and grits, and barbecue being popular throughout the state.
In terms of economy, Alabama has a strong presence in industries such as aerospace, automotive manufacturing, and healthcare. The state is home to several major companies, including Mercedes-Benz, Honda, and Hyundai, which have manufacturing plants in the state. Agriculture also plays a significant role in Alabama’s economy, with products like poultry, soybeans, and cotton being major exports.
Overall, Alabama offers a mix of natural beauty, cultural attractions, and economic opportunities that make it a unique and dynamic state in the U.S.
Just inside Mississippi, we stopped at a Subway for lunch. We haven’t quite sorted out meals yet but once we get to the rambling portion of the trip, we’ll start having nice lunches out and light meals in camp.
Our destination today is Jackson, Mississippi, the capital. The extra hour gained allowed us time to visit the Mississippi Museum of Civil Rights (see below). It was an eye opening experience just to see the volume of civil rights information all in once place.
The Mississippi Museum of Civil Rights is a museum dedicated to preserving and showcasing the history and struggles of the Civil Rights Movement in the state of Mississippi. It aims to educate visitors about the contributions of civil rights leaders, the impact of their work, and the ongoing journey toward equality and social justice including the procurement of voting rights and equal opportunities overall.
Jackson Mississippi
Jackson is the capital and largest city of Mississippi, located in Hinds County. It is known for its rich history in the Civil Rights Movement and its vibrant cultural scene. The city is home to various museums, including the Mississippi Civil Rights Museum and the Mississippi Museum of Natural Science. Jackson also hosts a variety of festivals and events throughout the year, such as the Jackson Rhythm and Blues Festival and the Mississippi State Fair.
Economically, Jackson is a hub for industries such as agriculture, manufacturing, and healthcare. The city is also home to several universities and colleges, including Jackson State University and Belhaven University.
The Civil Rights Movement in Mississipi
The Civil Rights Movement in Mississippi was a significant chapter in the broader struggle for racial equality and justice in the United States during the mid-20th century. Mississippi was a hotbed of racial segregation and discrimination, with African Americans facing systemic oppression and violence at the hands of white supremacist groups and state authorities.
The movement in Mississippi was characterized by grassroots organizing, nonviolent protest, and acts of civil disobedience aimed at challenging racial segregation and discrimination. Activists such as Medgar Evers, Fannie Lou Hamer, and Vernon Dahmer played key roles in mobilizing communities and advocating for civil rights.
One of the most pivotal events in the Mississippi Civil Rights Movement was the murder of three civil rights activists – James Chaney, Andrew Goodman, and Michael Schwerner – in 1964. Their deaths drew national attention to the ongoing struggle for civil rights in the state and galvanized support for the movement.
The efforts of civil rights activists in Mississippi ultimately led to the passage of key legislation, including the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965, which aimed to dismantle institutionalized racism and secure equal rights for all Americans.
Despite facing significant challenges and violent opposition, the Civil Rights Movement in Mississippi paved the way for progress and laid the foundation for future generations of activists to continue the fight for equality and justice.
Our campground is just 5 minutes outside of Jackson on a small lake, pond really, at Lefleurs Bluff state park. Our site is right on the water.
We put our Starlink out in our site for the first time. It’s fairly quick and easy to do. I put it on the picnic table. We were able to zoom with family, one of the major reasons we bought it.
Dinner outside again, local crabcakes and asparagus. The crabcakes were very different from the Maryland style we do at home. Spicy and delicious.
Rain tomorrow.
Louise and Brian McLeod Travel Blog 
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