Driving through Mississippi, you’ve spotted them – green, blue and red cast metal signs standing along highways and sidewalks, marking significant moments and people in history. The Golden Triangle has nearly 100 of these historic markers, with more popping up seemingly every day. But who’s behind them, and how do they get there?
What are historic markers, and where are they found?
The Mississippi Department of Archives and History oversees the State Historic Marker program, which identifies and marks historic sites across the state, from churches and cemeteries to sites tied to notable figures and events.
In Oktibbeha County alone, there are more than 22 historic markers. One stands at the intersection of Jackson Street and Highway 182, where in 1965, Johnny Cash was arrested for public drunkenness after he was allegedly picking flowers.
Another marks the spot in front of Walgreens in Starkville, commemorating Col. Benjamin H. Grierson’s Union cavalry’s march through the town in 1863.
Lowndes County boasts more than 50 historic markers, including one for Sandfield Cemetery, one of the oldest African American burial grounds in the state, and the Mississippi State College for Women, now known as Mississippi University for Women, the first state-supported university for females.
How does one apply for a historic marker?
Anyone can sponsor a historic marker, but all are privately funded by counties, churches, civic groups, individuals and other organizations.
To apply, the proposed site must have proven historical significance on a local, state or national level, said MDAH Historian William “Brother” Rogers. The application must include supporting documentation like newspaper articles or court documents.
Once submitted, MDAH historians collaborate with sponsors to research the topic further and draft the text for the marker, though MDAH has final approval over the wording.
To have a marker considered at the next board meeting, completed applications must be submitted by Dec. 12, 2025.
Markers cost between $2,465 and $2,780 depending on the text size and whether it includes a post.
Applications can be found on the MDAH website.
What is the timeline?
The process, from application to installation, can take anywhere from six months to a year. After the text is finalized, the marker must be approved by the MDAH Board of Trustees, which meets quarterly.
Once approved, MDAH immediately places the order with Sewah Studios, an Ohio-based company, and sponsors pay the manufacturer directly.
After production, the marker is shipped to the nearest Mississippi Department of Transportation District Office. If the site is on a state-maintained road, MDOT may handle the installation. Otherwise, it is the sponsor’s responsibility.
Why bother with markers?
Columbus-Lowndes Visitors Bureau Tourism Director Frances Glenn said the answer is simple: to educate and inspire.
“When I’m typing up a little something about them, I have to remember my two words, educate and inspire,” Glenn said. “I think these markers will help educate people (about) what has happened on this spot, and then I hope it inspires people. These people have done so much. These places are historic and that inspires people.”
Glenn also said the historic markers offer an opportunity for tourism. Though there’s no way to measure how much tourism is driven by the markers alone, Glenn is hopeful the development of an African American Historical Trail will draw even more visitors to the area.
The trail already includes 14 marked sites, such as Catfish Alley, Sandfield Cemetery and the Queen City Hotel.
“As we develop the trail … those are definitely going to be things we can market to tourists,” Glenn said. “This will be cohesive. We’ll have everything together, a rack card about it and a QR code to tell more than just what’s on the marker, so it’ll definitely be something we can market better.”
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You can help your community
Quality, in-depth journalism is essential to a healthy community. The Dispatch brings you the most complete reporting and insightful commentary in the Golden Triangle, but we need your help to continue our efforts. In the past week, our reporters have posted 26 articles to cdispatch.com. Please consider subscribing to our website for only $2.30 per week to help support local journalism and our community.
