The seat of Tippah County, Ripley, Mississippi is a small community located in the northeastern part of the state, about 20 miles from the Tennessee and 45 miles from the Alabama state lines. The town was named for General Eleazor Wheelock Ripley, a Congressional Medal holder and War of 1812 hero. Ripley is rich in southern history and charm, and prides itself on its community spirit. One of the founding members of the community was Col. W. C. Falkner, the great-grandfather of renowned author William Faulkner. The town is home to First Monday Trade Days, Mississippi's oldest flea market. Best Western Ripley Mississippi.
Things to do in Ripley
Falkner Historical Attractions
Several points of interest in Ripley pay homage to William C. Falkner, a colonel in the Civil War, author of the best selling novel White Rose of Memphis, and great-grandfather to the world renowned author William Faulkner. A 22-foot tall statue located in Ripley Cemetery honors Col. Falkner; his great grandson William Faulkner eludes to the monument in his 1929 novel Sartoris. The R. J. Thurmond Office, now Renfrow's Café, is the approximate location of the famed shooting of Col. Falkner by his former business partner on November 5, 1889. The Ripley Public Library is home to Falkner family photographs and scrapbooks as well as first editions of the Colonel's books, including The White Rose of Memphis.
First Monday
Mississippi's largest flea market, the First Monday Sale and Trade Days have been taking place in Ripley since 1893. Originally held on the first Monday of every month, the event now takes place on the weekend preceding the first Monday. Hundreds of vendors, both professional and amateur, set up booths to sell their wares - from sweet potatoes to t-shirts to microwave ovens and everything in between. A variety of delicious foods and concessions are offered. Dining facilities, electrical hookups, dump station, showers, laundry room, table rental, TV cable hookup, and early morning church services are available on the grounds. More than 200,000 visitors annually enjoy the festivities. Call 662-837-4051 for more information.
Pine Hills Golf & Country Club
Pine Hills is a semi-private 9-hole course located at 652 E. Walnut Street. Call 662-837-7863 for more information.
Tippah County Historical Museum
The Tippah County Historical Museum presents historical information and exhibits about the county, its past, and the many noted figures and events that have helped shape it. The county is one of the ten original counties formed from the Chickasaw Session of 1832. Many artifacts proudly tell the story of Tippah County and its southern heritage and tradition. Located at 106 N. Siddell Street (just behind the Peoples Bank of Ripley). Call 662-512-0099 for more information.
Tippah County Lake
Fishing, camping, picnicking, swimming, boating, and weekend skiing are all popular activities enjoyed at Tippah County Lake, a beautiful 165-acre lake located just north of Ripley. Facilities include picnic tables and grills, boat ramp and rentals, RV hookups and restrooms. The lake has boasted several fishing records for bass, Shellcracker and Blue Gill. Call 662-837-9850 for more information.