Prior to European settlement, the Delta was home to the Choctaw and Chickasaw Indian nations. In 1830 the Treaty of Dancing Rabbit Creek was signed by Choctaw Chief Greenwood Leflore, opening the swampland to European settlement. The first settlement was a trading post in 1830, which quickly grew to what was named Greenwood in 1844, named after the Chief. Built along the banks of the Yazoo River, Greenwood became an important shipping point for cotton to New Orleans and a supply port for area plantations and businesses. The town continued to prosper as one of the nation's leading cotton markets through the early 20th century. Today, Greenwood is still a major marketing hub for cotton and is known as "The Cotton Capital of the World." With the southern hospitality and charm characteristic of the Delta, the community welcomes visitors and offers a variety of year round attractions as well as many special events and festivals. Best Western Greenwood Mississippi.
Things to do in Greenwood
Cottonlandia
A museum about much more than cotton, Cottonlandia presents a diverse array of collections relating to the Delta - from Mississippi artwork to local, military, and agricultural historical displays. A large collection of Native American artifacts is on display, including the largest collection of Native American trade beads in the south. The museum also sponsors a variety of educational programming. Located at 1608 Highway 82 West. Call 662-453-0925 for more information.
Florewood State Park
Named after Chief Greenwood Leflore, Florewood is a working recreation of a plantation from the 1850s. The facility is completely self sufficient, and includes a school, blacksmith shop, commissary, church, planter's office and more. Vegetables, cotton and sorghum are grown in the fields seasonally. All buildings are furnished according to the time period. A gift shop is available where visitors may purchase some of the items that are crafted on site. Located two miles west of Greenwood off Highway 82. Call 662-455-3821 for more information.
Fort Pemberton Park
Fort Pemberton Park is the site of a significant battle in which the Confederate forces successfully deterred three Union ironclads, forcing General Grant to seek another route to capture Vicksburg. Located on Highway 82. Call 662-453-9197 for more information.
Front Street
Running alongside the Yazoo River in the main part of downtown is one of Greenwood's original streets, named Front Street in 1844. The first buildings of the town were built along Front Street, including several saloons. An 1890 fire destroyed most of the Front Street buildings, and various cotton businesses were then built in their place, earning the name of Cotton Row. Call 662-453-9197 for more information.
Greenwood Blues Heritage Museum & Gallery
Greenwood Blues Heritage Museum houses a fabulous collection of photographs and memorabilia relating the history of the Delta Blues. The museum is dedicated to the "King of the Delta Blues" Robert Johnson, and houses the largest collection known of Robert Johnson materials. Other displays of note are on the renowned blues artists B.B. King, Mississippi John Hurt, and Furry Lewis. Located in historic downtown. Call 662-451-7800 for more information.
Greenwood Cemetery
Greenwood Cemetery contains 40 Confederate gravesites from the Battle of Fort Pemberton. Open year round. Located at Strong Avenue. Call 662-453-9197 for more information.
Historic Downtown
Greenwood's nationally recognized historic district features a number of points of interest highlighting the town's colorful history. Highlights include the Keesler Bridge, built on the foundation of the original 1899 turn-style bridge; the only remaining Confederate Memorial building still open to the public; Front Street, now known as Cotton Row; the 1904 Leflore County Courthouse, and more. Call 662-453-9197 for more information.
Leflore County Courthouse
The original Leflore County Courthouse was constructed in 1879, but in 1904 plans for a new building were beginning to take shape. The new courthouse, built on Choctaw burial grounds, was completed on September 20, 1906 and still stands today as a cornerstone of Greenwood. Call 662-453-9197 for more information.
Mathews Brake National Wildlife Refuge
Covering 2,418 acres in west-central Mississippi, the Mathews Brake National Wildlife Refuge is one of seven national wildlife refuges in the Theodore Roosevelt National Wildlife Refuge Complex. The primary natural feature of the refuge is Mathews Brake, a 1,810-acre oxbow lake which is the largest in Leflore County and provides habitat for over 30,000 ducks. Hunting and fishing are the most popular recreational activities in the area. Located approximately 5 miles west of Sidon, off of Hwy 49E. Call 662-235-4989 for more information.
Wesley United Methodist Church
Established as the Wesley Methodist Episcopal Church in 1870, this is the oldest African American church in the area. Call 662-453-9197 for more information.