Historical Marker

Ida B. Wells

Historical marker location:
155 Rust Avenue, Holly Springs, Mississippi
( At the David L. Beckley Conference Center.)
Marker installed: 2019
Marker provided by: Mississippi Blues Commission.

Born to slave parents in Holly Springs on July 16, 1862, Wells' life epitomized the freedom struggle for African Americans following the Civil War. When her parents and an infant brother died in the Yellow Fever outbreak of 1878, Wells raised her five remaining siblings. Despite these early hardships, she became a journalist and entrepreneur, serving as co-owner of the Memphis, Tennessee, newspaper Free Speech. Her investigative style of journalism publicized the often unreported accounts of mob lynching in the South. Her books Southern Horrors: Lynch Law in All Its Phases and A Red Record exposed the subterfuges southerners employed for this type of murder of Black men. "Nobody in this section of the country believes the old threadbare lie that Negro men rape White women." Wells once wrote. She died

March 25, 1931, in Chicago, Illinois

The Mississippi Writers Trail is a program by the Mississippi Arts Commission. It pays tribute to the state’s most acclaimed and influential writers through a series of historical markers that recognize the importance of place in an author’s life while educating the public about the history and legacy of Mississippi writers. This statewide community improvement activity connects historical preservation, tourism and transportation. The cast aluminum markers, shaped like an open book inform travelers and highlight information about local authors including their birthplace, home, gravesite, museum, or literary locale. These markers will eventually span the entirety of the state from the Gulf Coast to the Hills. Mississippians such as Natasha Trethewey, Richard Wright, Eudora Welty, Walker Percy, Larry Brown, Jesmyn Ward, and many more will be honored with a Mississippi Writers Trail marker.

For more information visit arts.ms.gov.

Writers Trail
Audiobooks about the history of Mississippi.
Mississippi is home to several historically black colleges and universities, including Jackson State University, Alcorn State University, and Mississippi Valley State University.
Mississippi random facts
Marshall County, Mississippi, holds a rich history that dates back to its establishment in 1836. Originally inhabited by Native American tribes such as the Chickasaw and Choctaw, it was eventually settled by European colonizers. The county was named in honor of John Marshall, the fourth Chief Justice of the United States Supreme Court.

During the American Civil War, Marshall County played a significant role as a site for military operations. It was occupied by both Union and Confederate troops throughout the war and was witness to several battles and skirmishes. The most notable of these engagements was the Battle of Collierville in 1863, which resulted in Union victory and secured control of the Memphis and Charleston Railroad.

After the war, Marshall County experienced a period of reconstruction and development. Agriculture, particularly cotton farming, became the mainstay of the local economy, and the county thrived as a major producer. The cotton industry brought prosperity to the area, leading to the establishment of numerous towns and communities.

The mid-20th century brought significant changes to Marshall County. The decline of cotton farming, accompanied by mechanization and changes in the agricultural industry, led to a shift in the county's economy. However, the community adapted and diversified, with the growth of new industries and the expansion of manufacturing and services.

Today, Marshall County continues to evolve as a thriving hub for commerce, agriculture, and community life. It commemorates its history through various historical sites and attractions, showcasing the significant events and people that have shaped its past. With a blend of old charm and modern progress, Marshall County stands as a testament to the resilience and adaptability of its residents.

This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Marshall County, Mississippi.

  • 1819: Marshall County was established by the Mississippi Legislature.
  • 1836: Holly Springs was designated as the county seat.
  • 1861-1865: The American Civil War disrupted life in Marshall County.
  • 1866: The Freedmen's Bureau established an office in Holly Springs to assist newly emancipated slaves.
  • 1878: The Holly Springs National Bank opened, becoming one of the first African American-owned banks in the United States.
  • 1905: The Marshall County Training School was founded as a school for African American students.
  • 1966: The Holly Springs National Historic Landmark District was created, recognizing the city's rich history.
  • 1997: The William Faulkner Literary Competition was established in Holly Springs.
  • 2005: The Marshall County Historical Museum opened in Holly Springs, showcasing the county's history.