Seniors Check Out Starkville
Starkville, Mississippi (pop. 24,000) is the county seat of Oktibbeha County. The first white settlers of Starkville were Presbyterian missionaries. Once settled, people began to flock to the area because of its springs and accommodating terrain. Seniors learn that this area was inhabited at least 2100 years ago and there is a mound site nearby.
Mississippi State University was established in 1878 in Starkville and their football team is one of the leading teams in the country. The university is the towns largest employer and social activities tend to revolve around the campus.
Oktibbeha County Heritage Museum links the past with the present. The Lois Dowdle Cobb Museum of Archaeology displays artifacts related to the Native American cultures of the Southeastern United States and the civilizations of the ancient Middle East and Mediterranean regions.
Seniors Walk Through the Cotton District
The Cotton District is a walkable neighborhood that contains many restaurants and bars as well as unique residential units. Senior visitors will find that the Cotton District “contains more than 130 award winning structures- all of which proudly display eye-pleasing facades splashed with rich color”.
The Greensboro Street Historic District is an architecturally/historically significant collection of primarily residential structures. The Greensboro Street Historic District was home to many successful merchants and even civic leaders during the late 1860s.
Nearby Noxubee National Wildlife offers nature lovers a virtual paradise. Just 13 miles south of Starkville, this natural paradise sports a remarkable variety of wildlife, and is an excellent outlet for bird watching.
Historical Districts Preserved
Starkville is full of history. The Overstreet Historic District offers an eclectic mix of architecture built during the post-Civil War era. A walking or driving tour of Starkville’s historic districts is an absolute must-do, including Historic Downtown Starkville. One of the outstanding sites in town is the Hotel Chester, constructed in 1925, and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Starkville’s talent for savoring the past while embracing the future is seen in its marvelous historic districts. Senior visitors are encouraged to pack their walking shoes, as there is much exploring to be done.
If you enjoy John Grisham’s books as I do, be sure to check out the John Grisham Room, a place where people may view materials and memorabilia from the writings and achievements of bestselling author, former Mississippi legislator (1983-1990), and MSU alumnus John Grisham.
So stop in Starkville as you drive through Mississippi and enjoy all that a university city has to offer. jeb