Experience Civil Rights History from the Heart of the Delta.
It’s one thing to read about milestones of the Civil Rights Movement and another to actually stand where key events happened and ultimately shaped America for the better. Greenwood is proud to be at the heart of it all and to preserve and share these prominent moments in history with the world. Once you’re here, you’ll experience our vibrant and welcoming spirit, great accommodations like the Alluvian Hotel, our amazing arts, culture and food scenes, and best of all you’ll be at vantage point that’s within an hour’s drive of most every other attraction in the Mississippi Delta. Scroll down to glimpse at what everyone’s talking about.
Emmett Till
2025 marks the 70th anniversary of the death of Emmett Till, an event that stirred the hearts of the nation and mobilized the Civil Rights Movement. Come honor his memory by visiting Greenwood’s statue dedicated to his legacy. The bronze statue stands nine feet tall and is located just 10 miles away from where Bryant’s Grocery was located and where history took place. Don’t miss the opportunity to immerse yourself in one of the defining moments of the Civil Rights Movement.
Black Power
On the night of June 12, 1966, the chairman of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee, Stokely Carmichael, rallied a crowd of over 600 protestors with a rousing speech on Black Power. Greenwood was right in the middle of James Meredith’s “March Against Fear” from Memphis to Jackson, and when Carmichael and two other marchers had been arrested for pitching tents on a school campus, they were arrested. By the time they were let out, they had garnered hundreds of supporters.
Museum of the Mississippi Delta
If you’re looking to take in all that Greenwood has to offer, the Museum of the Mississippi Delta is dedicated to the preservation of the area’s art, history and culture. From the Civil War to Civil Rights, the museum provides an immersive and insightful look into one of the most storied corners of America.
Bryant's Grocery
Just a short distance away from Greenwood’s Emmett Till statue is a Freedom Trail marker for Bryant’s Grocery. It was here in 1955 that a young Emmett Till had an encounter with the store owner’s wife, ultimately leading to his kidnapping and murder. Till’s death received international attention and exposed the world to the true horrors of racism in the South. This marker serves as a reminder of not only these dark days, but also the ensuing spark that ignited the Civil Rights Movement and a national pursuit of justice for all.
AMTRAK
Amtrak’s train route provides a convenient, immersive journey through history and culture. Whether traveling to or from Greenwood, tourists with a road trip planned around Civil Rights history have an easy way to explore major destinations here and beyond by hopping on Amtrak. Amtrak connects Greenwood to Memphis, Jackson, New Orleans and Chicago, each contributing their own piece to the story of the Civil Rights Movement.
Baptist Town
Step back in time and discover one of Greenwood’s oldest black neighborhoods, Baptist Town, a historic neighborhood established in the 1800s during the rise of the cotton industry. Once a safe haven for Greenwood’s Black community, it still thrives as a vibrant, close-knit neighborhood brimming with rich culture and history. Be sure to visit the Back in the Day Museum, where you can explore the history of Baptist Town and African American culture in the Delta.
Alluvian Hotel
After a long day of exploration, nothing beats some relaxation. The Alluvian Hotel is one of Greenwood’s most prestigious accommodations, featuring custom furnishings, plush bed and bath linens and a dedicated spa that will leave you recharged for anything the day brings.
Blog
Remembering Emmett Till: 70 Years Later
Seventy years ago, on August 28, 1955, the brutal murder of Emmett Till shocked the nation and became a catalyst for the Civil Rights Movement…
A Day in the Life: Civil Rights Tour in Greenwood Area
As you look past the nearby Yazoo River toward Greenwood, Mississippi a journey rich in history and central to the Civil Rights Movement awaits…
Delta-born Author Wright Thompson Remains on NY Times Bestseller List with Riveting Account of Emmett Till Story in “The Barn”
New York Times bestselling author and Southern savant Wright Thompson spent time with us recently to talk about Greenwood…
Civil Rights
In the middle of the 20th century, Greenwood became a hotbed of the Civil Rights Movement. Those with deep roots in the Delta joined their voices with those across the country to push the nation forward. Their steps can be traced along the streets in and around Greenwood, even to this day, and are just waiting to be rediscovered. Download our Civil Rights Brochure for an in-depth look at Greenwood’s place in the struggle for equality.
Stay
After a long day of travel, nothing beats staying in one of Greenwood’s premiere lodging establishments. Whether you’re living it up cosmopolitan-style in The Alluvian Hotel & Spa or soaking in the authentic flair of Tallahatchie Flats’ rustic cabins on the bank of the breathtaking Tallahatchie River, rest assured that you’ll rest easy in Greenwood.
Stray
Delve into Greenwood’s profound Civil Rights history with our interactive map. Trace echoes of courage and change as you explore transformative sites. This is more than a guide – it’s your portal to the stories and unshakable spirit that shaped a movement. Start your journey and uncover Greenwood’s unique place in history.
VISITOR’S GUIDE
One of the best qualities of Greenwood is that it’s easy to explore all that it has to offer at your own pace. Visitors are invited to download the city’s Visitor’s Guide for self-guided tours or go to VisitGreenwood.com to learn more about guided group tours.