Columbus: One of America's 'Distinctive Destinations'

(continued from home page) Attractions include Waverley Plantation Mansion, a National Historic Landmark and one of the most photographed homes of the South; Friendship Cemetery, the site of the first Memorial Day celebration in 1866; and the Mississippi University for Women, the oldest public college for women in the United States and home to 23 National Register properties.

Founded in 1821 on the banks of the Tombigbee River, the town thrives on its rich heritage and Southern charm. Columbus offers an extraordinary mix of history, natural beauty and culture. Its revitalized Main Street, bustling with family-owned businesses, treasure-filled emporiums and culinary delights, is endlessly appealing and pulsates with the rhythms of the blues. 

Proud of its rich African American heritage, Columbus also offers tours of landmarks that showcase the remarkable impact the African American community has had on the city. The itinerary includes churches, universities and homes. From Catfish Alley, a central business district for African Americans during the late 19th century to Concord CME Church, one of the oldest churches in Columbus dating back to 1867, and the Robert Walker Home Site, where Walker was trained as a butler and went on to become the first African American to own and operate a hotel, this tour celebrates the lasting legacy of the accomplishments achieved by those, who despite oppressive times, prevailed and prospered.

Columbus’ location on the Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway—nicknamed the Tenn-Tom—offers numerous opportunities for outdoor recreation. One of the top sports fishing spots in the nation, Tenn-Tom is a 234-mile stretch that connects middle America with the Gulf Coast. It is ideal for scenic boat tours, water skiing or leisurely strolls down the newly opened River Walk that runs along the river.

“We are excited and honored to receive this distinction. It will allow us to spotlight the rich history and culture of our city,” said James Tsismanakis, executive director of the Columbus Convention & Visitors Bureau. “Columbus’ art, architecture, history and culinary offerings give visitors an authentic southern experience. It is our goal to utilize this honor to increase our tourism and share our charming community with the world.”

Since 2000, the National Trust for Historic Preservation has annually selected communities across the United States that offer cultural and recreational experiences different from the typical vacation destination. From dynamic downtowns and stunning architecture to cultural diversity and commitments to historic preservation, the selected destinations boast a richness of character and exude an authentic sense of place.

This is the ninth time the National Trust for Historic Preservation has announced a list of Dozen Distinctive Destinations. To date, there are 108 Distinctive Destinations located in 42 states throughout the country. (To see a complete list, visit www.nationaltrust.org\ddd.)

In each community, residents have taken forceful action to protect their town’s character and sense of place. Whether by enacting a local preservation law to protect historic buildings against demolition, rewriting zoning codes to prevent commercial sprawl, removing regulatory barriers to downtown housing, making downtown areas more walkable, enacting design standards, or taking some other major step that demonstrates a strong commitment to their town, residents have worked hard to preserve the historic and scenic assets of their communities, with rewards that transcend town limits.