The Witch of Yazoo is more than a Willie Morris story, experience the stories of those buried in Glenwood Cemetery, this is definitely a detour from the expected!
The Gateway to the Delta
In Yazoo County, the heritage of
the Mississippi Delta comes to life through Mississippi blues concerts
and history, African American heritage,
outdoor recreation and unique Delta folklore.
The Early Blues
Yazoo County may be known best for
some of the earliest blues contributors in the entire Delta. Skip James, Jack Owens
and Tommy McClennan helped spawn a unique brand of blues and guitar technique in
the early 20th century at places like the Blue Front Café in Bentonia, which still stands today. In fact, it’s the site
of famous Mississippi blues concerts such as the Bentonia Blues Festival.
History and Folklore
Thousands of travelers visit Yazoo
City for the unique folklore of the town’s Glenwood Cemetery and its famed
resident "the witch of Yazoo City." A legend made famous by the
books of local author Willie Morris, the author of My Dog Skip, the witch
was believed to be responsible for the burning of the entire city in 1904. Ask the
locals—they have more recent experiences with the witch.
The county itself saw several Civil
War skirmishes, so the cemetery is also a mass grave for confederate soldiers and
attracts thousands of Civil War buffs each year.
The
Oakes African American Cultural Center,
a restored 1800’s home that pays tribute to Yazoo City black history, is listed
on both the Mississippi and National Historic Register of Historic Places and is
an important stop on the African
American Heritage Trail.
Yazoo County Convention & Visitors Bureau
800-381-0662