Yazoo City, the county seat and principal city of Yazoo County, is named for a group of Native Americans that mysteriously became extinct about 1740; the meaning of Yazoo has remained a puzzle. The town was laid out in the 1830s on acreage originally owned by a half French, half Choctaw Indian planter named Greenwood Leflore. In 1904 fire destroyed some Yazoo City homes and most of its businesses, but the central business district was rebuilt in turn-of-the-century grandeur. Local lore places blame for the fire on "The Witch of Yazoo," who was chronicled in prize winning author and Yazoo City native Willie Morris' novel, Good Old Boy. In addition to Mr. Morris, Yazoo County has been home to a number of notable residents including the late comedian Jerry Clower; author Zig Ziglar; actress Stella Stevens and blues singers Gatemouth Moore and Jack Owens. Best Western Yazoo City Mississippi.
Things to do in Yazoo City
Battle of Benton Road
In early March 1864, Union forces defended Yazoo City against a Confederate force led by Generals Ross and Richardson with their Texas Brigades. The Third U. S. Colored Calvary helped defeat the Confederate forces. The battle is commemorated at this site. Open year round on a drive-by basis only. Located at Hwy. 49 W. at Broadway Hill. Call 662-746-1815 for more information.
Bell Road
The scenic and historic Bell Road, sunken from traffic since the 1820s, was widely used during the Civil War. Today it resembles the old sunken Natchez Trace. Located at 15099 N. Jerry Clower Blvd. Call 662-746-1815 for more information.
Bethel AME Church
The congregation for the church was formed in 1868 and erected Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church in 1890. Tours available by appointment only. Located at 214 S. Monroe. Call 662-746-7932 for more information.
Glenwood Cemetery
Glenwood Cemetery is the site of the legendary "Witch's Grave" and a mass grave of unknown Confederate soldiers killed in the Battle of Benton Road. John Hancock's grandchildren are also laid to rest here. Located at the corner of Grady Street & Lintonia Street. Call 662-746-1815 for more information.
Live Oak Cemetery
Live Oak is the final resting place of Bishop Lampton, the only African-American bishop from Mississippi; Holt Collier, prominent African-American businessman; and slaves. Located at S. Main Street at Crescent. Open year round on a drive by only basis.
Mt. Vernon M. B. Church
The church was organized in 1870 as the first African-American Baptist congregation in Yazoo City. Stained glass windows, a balcony with Gothic lettering and stairway grace the Mt. Vernon M. B. Church today. By appointment only. Located at 137 W. Canal Street. Call 662-746-3050 for more information.
Oakes African American Cultural Center
The Center recognizes the cultural heritage, trials and achievements of African-Americans in Yazoo County. It was formerly the residence of A. J. Oakes, who played a vital role in the education of African-Americans in the area. The building has been restored to its original condition, and is listed on both the State and National Register of Historic Places. Located at 312 S. Monroe Call 662-746-1815 for more information.
Panther Swamp National Wildlife Refuge
Panther Swamp National Wildlife Refuge is one of seven refuges in the Theodore Roosevelt National Wildlife Refuge Complex. Established in 1978, Panther Swamp covers 38,697 acres and includes one of the largest blocks (21,000 acres) of bottomland forest in the lower Mississippi River alluvial floodplain. In addition to providing resting and feeding areas for over 100,000 wintering waterfowl annually, the refuge also provides habitat for 200 species of neotropical migratory songbirds. Resident wildlife include the American alligator, whitetail deer, swamp rabbit, wild turkey, squirrel, and various small fur-bearers. The refuge is four miles east of Holly Bluff, Mississippi, and about four miles southwest of Yazoo City, Mississippi. Panther Swamp headquarters are located at 13695 River Road. Call 662-746-5060 for more information.
Triangle Cultural Center and Historical Museum
Housed in an early 1900s school building, the Triangle retains the original school auditorium which is used for entertainment. The Historical Museum also resides in the building, and features a series of exhibits relating to the pre-historic, pioneer, antebellum, Victorian, and modern time periods. The museum includes a Jimmy Carter exhibit and a Jerry Clower exhibit. Located at 332 N. Main Street. Call 662-746-1815 for more information.
Witch's Grave
Located in the middle of the Glenwood Cemetery is a grave surrounded by chain links known as "The Witch's Grave." The legend of the Witch of Yazoo became famous in Willie Morris' 1971 book, Good Old Boy. The story is an example of the unusual folklore surrounding Yazoo County. The Fire of 1904 destroyed over 200 residences and nearly every business was ruined. No conclusive cause of the fire was ever determined. The witch became the scapegoat. Glenwood Cemetery is located at the corner of Grady Street & Lintonia Street.
Wolf Lake / Broad Lake
Located eight miles northwest of Yazoo City is the Mississippi Delta's best kept secret. Wolf Lake and Broad Lake offer fabulous fishing and glass-like conditions for skiing. Sally's Grocery, located on the lake, has a public boat ramp, bait, and access area. Various fishing tournaments are held here during the height of crappie and white perch season. During the winter, Giant Bald Eagles migrate here to nest in the huge cypress trees. Call 662-746-5999 for more information.
Yazoo City Historical District
Known as the "largest single area" to be placed on the National Register of Historic Places, the Yazoo City Historical District covers both residential and commercial areas. Visitors can experience the charm of the period through a walking tour. Information on the tour can be obtained from the Yazoo County Convention and Visitors Bureau located at 332 N. Main Street. Call 662-746-1815 for more information.
Yazoo County Agricultural Tour
Yazoo County's agricultural tour begins with experiencing genuine Southern hospitality at the El Dorado Plantation, a Mississippi Delta farm owned by the Baskin family since 1919. Five miles north of Yazoo City in the heart of the Delta, visitors will see 2,500 acres of cotton, 1,700 acres of row crops (beans, milo, corn), 800 acres of hardwoods and 150 acres of rolling pasture and grazing cattle. The tour proceeds to the Yazoo Planters Gin, the Como Fish Farms, and concludes with true Southern cooking at Hines Broad Lake Grocery. Call 662-746-1815 for more information.
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