Exploring Columbus. MS

We've been touring the Columbus, MS area before heading farther north on the river. Columbus Marina is a nice stop and one of the few that are so close to the city.
Every morning between 6:00 and 7:00 you hear the first flights of the Air Force's training aircraft. Many of the Air Force pilots receive their initial flight training at Columbus Air Force Base. In this area are many old homes from the 1800's. Waverly Mansion is one of interest. Built by a gentleman from Oglethorpe Co., GA , it was part of a 50,000 acre plantation along the river. This plantation was a city of its own with 1000 slaves and residents. In one year around 400 hogs were slaughtered to feed the plantation's population. The mansion and 40 acres are now owned by a family who have worked since 1962 to restore the house that sat vacant for 50 years. The Natchez Trace passes close to Columbus as does the Natchez Trace Parkway which parallels the Trace for its' 444 miles. There seems to be more farming in this area. Where catfish was the primary farming around Demopolis, corn and cotton are the crops grown here. The holiday we know as Memorial Day originated in Columbus. MS

"T-38B trainer used by the Air Force"

"Waverly Mansion"

"Plantation's office sits beside the mansion"

"Natchez Trace- land trail used by boatmen to travel back to Ohio River Valley area after floating downstream on rafts to Natchez, MS to deliver goods"

"Home of playwright Tennessee Williams"