In 1540, famous explorer Hernando de Soto traversed the region that is recognized as current day Columbus. Situated at the convergence of the Tombigbee, the Buttahatchie, and the Luxapalila Rivers, Columbus began as a small trading post named Possum Town. In 1821, the city was founded as Columbus.
Columbus is bursting with a beautiful and diverse selection of antebellum homes, many of which are open to the public. This makes for a wonderful morning tour. Those who enjoy splendid architecture should take part in the annual, award winning, Spring Pilgrimage. Usually held in March or early April of every year, the Pilgrimage offers historic carriage rides, and guides dressed in period garb, leading visitors through more than two-dozen historic homes.
Another attention grabbing event is the Market Street Festival, held annually in May. This popular event offers festival-goers a huge array of activities, and grows bigger every year. From rock climbing walls to ice cream eating contests, to dynamic live music and exquisite art displays, this is a festival every family member will enjoy.
The Tennessee Williams Tribute Weekend, held in September, is a tribute to this talented playwright who once called Columbus home. His first home houses the Columbus Welcome Center, which offers visitors information on a variety of self-guided tours such as the Historic District Walking Tour and the African-American Heritage Driving Tour. Visitors searching for a unique activity should consider a riverboat tour of Columbus, along the historic Tenn-Tom Waterway.
If visitors need more to do, Columbus also offers outstanding recreation. The Tenn-Tom Waterway dominates the area, offering excellent fishing, boating and water sport opportunities. In fact, Lake Columbus is known to offer some of the best bass fishing in the state, and hosts a number of fishing tournaments. Lake Lowndes State Park is situated around the gorgeous 150-acre Lake Lowndes. Nature, bike and equestrian trails are hallmarks of the park. Golfers should pack their clubs, because several exceptional golf courses dot the region.
Columbus is located in the far eastern part of the state, just off Interstate 82, about 130 miles northeast of Jackson, MS.
