Woodville MS Blues Trail – Mississippi Blues Trail

WOODVILLE MS BLUES TRAIL
Exploring the Blues Trail and beyond

Woodville MS Blues Trail info is defined with a visit to Woodville which marked the beginning of our exploration of the Blues Trail, and we were full of anticipation to discover its significance.

As our first stop, it provided a perfect opportunity to stretch our legs and take a respite from our journey. This quaint town exuded a tranquil and serene atmosphere, with strong ties to blues music evident in its rich history and numerous historic buildings and residences.

Taking a short detour through the side streets allowed us to catch glimpses of beautifully preserved homes steeped in history. With renewed energy, we proceeded on our journey towards Mammy’s Cupboard for what we hoped would be a delightful lunch experience.

Woodville MS Blues Trail: Blues Marker Info 

WILLIAM GRANT STILL (May 11, 1895 – December 3, 1978) 

• American composer who had a significant impact on the commercialization of blues music.
• Although, Born in Woodville and raised in Little Rock, Still’s musical career began in 1915 when he joined the W.C. Handy band in Memphis as a musician.
• In the 1920s, he became the music director for Black Swan, an African American-owned record label, and also wrote arrangements for various jazz bands. His compositions were later recorded by popular artists such as Ethel Waters.
• In addition to his work in jazz and blues, Still also wrote classical arrangements and performed with notable orchestras such as Shuffle Along.
• He is widely recognized as a highly respected composer within the African American musical community.

LESTER YOUNG

• Born in Woodville, Lester Young was a highly influential jazz musician who moved to New Orleans as an infant.
• His father, Billy Young, led a band called the New Orleans Strutters. As a teenager, Lester joined his father’s band and played both drums and saxophone.
• He later played with renowned musician William “Count” Basie as part of the swing style that made Basie’s band famous.
• With his innovative playing style, Young helped to popularize this genre even further.
• In addition to his work with Basie, he also collaborated with Billie Holiday and brought his unique blues-infused jazz sound to their performances and recordings.

SCOTT DUNBAR (July 1, 1909 – October 1, 1994)

• Scott Dunbar was a renowned blues guitarist known for his traditional music style.
• One of his connections to Woodville was serving as a fishing guide on Lake Mary, located just northwest of the town.
• Initially, he performed at juke joints but eventually gained popularity among white audiences and began performing at lodges by the lake.
• In 1954, he recorded an album for Folkways Records. His music has been studied and documented by various blues artists such as William Ferris, Parker Dinkins, and Robert Cage – who was mentored by Dunbar himself.

Woodville MS Blues Trail: Info about other artists from the area
~ Monroe “Polka Dot Slim” Vincent (December 9, 1926 – June 22, 1981), was born in Woodville. He was a vocalist/harmonica player based in New Orleans.
~ Jimmy Anderson (born November 21, 1934 in Woodville) was a singer, harmonica player and guitarist.  He also worked as a disc jockey in Natchez.

Both Vincent and Anderson recorded several singles in Louisiana.

Woodville MS Blues Trail: Woodville, MS Additional Info
Woodville is a town steeped in history and filled with beautiful antebellum homes.

This charming village, located in Mississippi, is home to approximately
210 buildings that reflect the styles of the 19th century.
From Federal architecture to post-World War II revivals,
each building tells a unique story and adds character to this quaint community.

• At the heart of Woodville lies its bustling business district, which centers around a square where the iconic courthouse stands tall. The square is surrounded by majestic live oak trees, adding natural beauty to this already picturesque setting.
• Among them stands a special tree in the southwest corner -the “Jefferson Davis Oak” – which holds membership in the American Society of Live Oaks. This tree serves as a living memorial to Jefferson Davis, the first and only president of the Confederacy whose boyhood home was located just a short distance from Woodville at Rosemont Plantation.
• One of the most notable buildings in Woodville is the old Bank of the State of Mississippi. With over 170 years of history, it has witnessed many significant events throughout its lifetime.
• One event that caused international controversy and litigation was when Planters Bank of the State of Mississippi repudiated its bonds, more than 150 years ago. This incident resulted in a legal battle that reached all the way up to the Supreme Court of United States.
• According to the 1990 census, Woodville’s population remains almost identical to what it was 160 years ago in 1830. This is a testament to the strong sense of community and deep roots that have been ingrained in this town for generations.
• One major contributor to the local economy is the timber industry which has thrived in Woodville for decades. The lush forests surrounding Woodville have provided an abundant supply of natural resources, supporting many businesses and providing jobs for residents. Even today, the timber industry continues to be a significant source of revenue.

In modern-day Woodville, Treppendahl’s Super Foods is the local grocery store
which has been operated by a great-grandson of the original owner.
The Treppendahl family has a long history in Woodville,
spanning six generations, making them an integral part of the community.

Woodville MS Blues Trail: More about Woodville

• Woodville, a town in Wilkinson County, has a rich history dating back to the early 19th century. Despite primitive and often brutal conditions, the first settlers persevered and established plantations in the area. Eventually, a railroad came to town.
• Over time, they built a society of wealth, influence, and prestige with the construction of churches, schools, and banks. Becoming pioneers in education, they founded nearby academies and colleges while also contributing three governors to the state of Mississippi.
• Woodville’s growth from a small region to one of great importance in the history of Mississippi is a testament to the resilience and determination of its early settlers.

As you walk through Woodville’s streets and admire
its stunning architecture and serene surroundings,
it’s hard not to feel transported back in time.
Each building has a story to tell and reflects a different era in history.
Whether you are exploring the Mississippi Blues Trail,
a history buff or simply appreciate beautiful architecture,
there is something for everyone here at Woodville Historic District.

Woodville MS Blues Trail: JEWISH HISTORY 

• The aftermath of the war presented opportunities for development and wealth to Jewish businessmen, who established homes and businesses in Woodville.
• They purchased former plantations and restarted cotton production, earning the town the nickname “Little Jerusalem.”
• However, in the early 1920s, the boll weevil decimated the southern cotton economy, leading many of Woodville’s Jewish citizens to sell their properties and leave. In their wake remained a synagogue and Beth Israel Cemetery, now a small but picturesque resting place for those whose monuments bear Hebrew epitaphs.

A scene in the movie “The Man Without a Country”,
was filmed at Fort Adams, just NE of Woodfield

Woodville MS Blues Trail brings you to the Woodville Republican
which is the oldest newspaper in Mississippi.

Woodville MS Blues Trail: During the 1820’s, renowned painter
John James Audubon travelled to Woodville and discovered
over 26 different species of birds. These birds were later documented
and featured in Audubon’s famous Birds of America series.

In addition, you can find more detailed information on the Mississippi Blues Markers here.

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This blog contains a lot of information for those that wish to explore above and beyond!
The Table of Contents below lists all posts.

TABLE OF CONTENTS:

MISSISSIPPI BLUES TRAIL
Clarksdale Blues Markers
Clarksdale Points of Interest
Greenwood Blues Markers
Greenwood Points of Interest
Indianola Blues Markers & Points of Interest
Leland Blues Markers & City Info
Natchez Blues Markers
Natchez City Legacy
Natchez Points of Interest
Old Country Store – Windsor Ruins – Port Gibson Blues Markers 
Po Monkey’s – Cleveland – Greenville Blues Markers
Rolling Fork Blues Marker & Mont Helena Indian Mound
Stovall Plantation – Friar’s Point – Tunica Blues Markers
Tutwiler Blues Markers & Emmett Till Story
Vicksburg Blues Markers
Vicksburg City
Vicksburg Civil War Museum & Coca-Cola Museum
Vicksburg McRaven House
Vicksburg National Military Park
Woodville Blues Markers & City
Mississippi Delta History & Jewish History
Mississippi Indian Mounds
Mississippi Sky Lake Preserve
Mississippi Itineraries