The 10 Most Endangered Historic Places in Mississippi

This blog post was written by Mississippi Heritage Trust board member and CDFL architect Chris Myers.

Architects and engineers are very proud of our buildings. It is our dream to design a structure that will withstand the test of time and become an icon in the community. Unfortunately, those types of commissions are few and far between, and often, the most humble places – the shotgun home of the Presley family in Tupelo or the intersection of Highways 49 & 61, “The Crossroads” – can become as culturally significant as a State Capitol building. History does not discern based on perceived prestige.

In 1992, the Mississippi Heritage Trust was founded to aid in the preservation of such places for future generations. The Trust promotes historic preservation efforts across the state of Mississippi. Through leadership, education, and advocacy, the organization strives to help Mississippians save the places that matter to them.

In 1999, MHT published its first list of 10 Most Endangered Historic Places in Mississippi. The purpose of the list is to pinpoint those sites that are most in danger of being lost or destroyed. The 10 Most List is unveiled in years ending in an odd number, and the project has allowed for some tremendous victories, including the Cutrer Mansion in Clarksdale; the King Edward Hotel in Jackson; the L.Q.C. Lamar House in Oxford; the Mary C. O’Keefe Cultural Center in Ocean Springs; and the Tippah County Jail in Ripley to name a few. All are examples of what can happen when communities come together with a spirit of cooperation, an appreciation of the past, and a vision for the future.

CDFL is proud to be a sponsor for this year’s 10 Most Endangered Historic Places Ceremony, and we encourage you to make plans to attend. The event will be held on Thursday, November 14, at The Cedars in Jackson (a former 10 Most “graduate”!). The announcement will take place at 6pm and will feature television personality Walt Grayson, the honorary event chair Secretary of State Delbert Hosemann, and MHT executive director Lolly Barnes.

Tickets are $50 per person and are available via the Mississippi Heritage Trust website or at the door.