Take a trip to Kosciusko and see what all the buzz is about.
My children make fun of the way I pronounce certain words. For example, ‘parmesan’ is at the top of the list. For years I have managed to turn it into a fancy French-sounding word. Even now, when I need to say the word, I must stop and think about the correct pronunciation before the incorrect pronunciation rolls off my tongue.
When I first moved to Mississippi, it was also difficult for me to enunciate Kosciusko. However, it didn’t take long to get the hang of it. Over the years, I’ve heard some strange pronunciations, even on national television. But it isn’t a problem for the 7,000 plus residents or neighboring communities.
According to the Natchez Trace Travel website, “Kosciusko is named for the Polish General Tadeusz Kosciuszko, who assisted United States military efforts during the American Revolution. However, the anglicized name omits the “z.” Kosciusko was originally named Red Bud Springs for one of three natural springs that were present in the city. Locally the town name is pronounced Kah-zee-ESS-ko.” Additional locations named for the famous Polish general include a small agricultural town in Texas and Kosciusko County in northern Indiana.
Kosciusko, Mississippi, is easily accessible, as Highways 35, 43, and 12 intersect within the town. If you are traveling the Natchez Trace, turn at milepost marker 160. Take some time to visit the Kosciusko Information Center open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.
A Salute to Famous Individuals Born in Kosciusko
Did you know that Kosciusko is the birthplace of some famous people? How many of the following men and women have you heard about? It is not an exhaustive list:
- John C. Adams – born March 2, 1887, and played football for the University of Mississippi. The Ole Miss graduate became a doctor and practiced medicine in Greenwood.
- Billy Ray Bates – born May 31, 1956, played basketball at McAdams High School and attended Kentucky State University. He played for the Portland Trail Blazers, Washington Bullets, Los Angeles Lakers, and then overseas with the Philippine Basketball Association.
- Clarence Harmon – born November 30, 1955, played football at Mississippi State and became a running back with the Washington Redskins and the New Jersey Generals.
- Jeff Moore – born August 20, 1956, played football at Jackson State University and, in1979, was drafted into the NFL, playing for the Seattle Seahawks, San Francisco 49ers, and Washington Redskins.
- Marc Woodard – born February 21, 1970, attended Kosciusko High School, football atMississippi State University, and in 1993 NFL draft where he played for the Pittsburgh Steelers and then for the Philadelphia Eagles.
There are several women among the well-known individuals list born in Kosciusko. People like Mary Comfort Leonard born on January 22, 1856. She was the co-founder of the Delta Gamma women’s fraternity. In her honor, a commissioned portrait of Ms. Leonard hangs in the University of Mississippi fraternity’s Memorial House in Oxford.
If you like to write short stories, you might be familiar with Blanche Colton Williams, born February 10, 1879. She was an author and editor. In the book Mississippi Women: Their Histories, Their Lives, author Elizabeth Anne Payne describes her as a woman known for her “groundbreaking work on structure and analysis of the short story.” Perhaps an article for another time on this remarkable woman and her contributions to literature.
As you travel on Highway 12 toward Starkville, you will see a sign that marks the birthplace of Oprah Winfrey, born January 29, 1954. Most people know her as a television producer, author, actress, and CEO of Harpo Productions. But for the hometown folks of Kosciusko, she is appreciated for her contribution to the Boys and Girls Club. She returned to her hometown on September 4, 2006, to participate in the ribbon cutting for The Oprah Winfrey Boys and Girls Club Kosciusko/Attala County™.
And let’s not forget Charles Musselwhite, born January 31, 1944. He is a harmonica player and bandleader. He is known for being a pivotal figure in the revival of the Chicago Blues movement during the 1960s. On the court square, there is a Mississippi Blues Trail Marker commemorating his life.
And completing the list is James Meredith, who is now age 90 (born June 25, 1933), and lives in Jackson. He is remembered for being the first African American student to enroll and be admitted to the University of Mississippi after he served in the United States Air Force in 1962.
The Historic Town Square
One of my favorite spots in the town is the beautiful town square. Around the square, beehive sculptures represent the town’s nickname: The Beehive of the Hills. According to the Mississippi Historical Commission, erected in 1950, we learn Kosciusko was chartered in 1836 on the Natchez Trace near the geographical center of the state. Trade activity gave it the title, “Beehive on the Hills.”
As you drive or walk around the square, notice the historical buildings such as Pickle’s Drug Store or the Strand movie theater. Other buildings have been remodeled and turned into new businesses, such as insurance agencies, flower shops, restaurants, clothing businesses, and more.
Attractions and Places of Interest
This past August, First Baptist Church, founded in 1848, celebrated its 175th anniversary with four different guest pastors speaking throughout the month. On August 13th , the special guest speaker was Dr. Anthony George, a Kosciusko native who is now the pastor of First Baptist Church, Atlanta. He served with Dr. Charles Stanley. If you are interested in the church’s history, a book, written by A. H. Porter covers the first 150 years.
The Skipworth Performing Arts Center at 317 East Jefferson Street provides various performances and is an event venue. Last summer they offered a Children’s Theater Camp and performed “Go Fish,” a musical play for young singers. The Mississippi Symphony Orchestra was there in September. Other performances were the Mississippi Lions All-State Band performance held on July 1st and Charles Musselwhite on April 29th, 2023. Join their Facebook group to keep updated with events and ticket information.
It’s not too early to pull out your 2024 calendar and write the dates for the Kosciusko Festivals and events: The annual Passion Play is held outdoors before Easter next to the First United Methodist Church at 110 E. Washington Street. This past April, the church presented its 38th production, “His Last Days.” It’s usually free to the public, with a nursery provided.
Flip the pages to April and mark the last Saturday of the month. The Natchez Trace Festival offers vendors and various events for people of all ages. Follow the festival information on www.facebook.com/Kosciusko.MS.
The Central Mississippi Fair is usually held at the end of July or the first part of August. People of all ages display and exhibit their art, quilts, and other homemade products. Usually, the 4-H participants bring their livestock to show and prepare for the State Fair. Again, the Facebook group will give you up-to-date information.
Small Town Charm
Kosciusko is one of my favorite places to visit and shop. Almost everything a person might need is available. There are specialty shops, various restaurants, a golf course, parks, a library, and churches of different denominations. Public and private schools are available, quality medical, dental, eye, and home health care offices, as well as the Baptist Memorial Hospital Attala.
If you want to keep up with news and events, don’t forget to read the weekly newspaper, the Kosciusko Star-Herald. It has been an award-winning, Mississippi-owned newspaper since 1866. And if you like to listen to the news and weather, check out BreezyNews.com. They also provide Whippet and Holmes Community College on-demand Broadcasts.
If you need a place to stay? There are hotels: The Maple Terrance Inn or the Pedal Inn Bed and Breakfast.
After interviewing several residents, I found that many like the small-town atmosphere and the connection of family and friends. Carol, who has lived here for 65 years, said, “citizens reach out to help neighbors, people are friendly, and I am blessed to be planted here. Also, we have some of the best tomato sandwiches in the state.”
I also learned that people who grew up in the area, moved away, are now returning for various reasons. And if you are an avid Mississippi State sports fan, you are only 52 miles away!
The current Mayor of Kosciusko, Tim Kyle, wrote on his website page, “Welcome to Kosciusko, where we are steeped in history with a vision for the future!” Check it out and see for yourself.
Laura Lee Leathers
