My first memories of historic Carrollton and Carroll County go back as far as I can remember growing up here. From my early years, I was attending Kindergarten at Carrollton Presbyterian Church at the Hart House. Over the years, there has been much to learn about the historic importance of this community. Over the course of time there have been many people who visit our area from many places in Mississippi through the Pilgrimage, and come away with an abundance of this area’s history.
The Carrollton Pilgrimage begins with ticket sales starting at 8:45 a.m. on Friday at Pilgrimage Headquarters in Town Hall (Ye Olde Town Water Dept.) at 701 Lexington Street. The event offers a rare opportunity to tour historic private homes, churches, and community buildings of various architectural styles.
On Saturday, October 5th, the Pioneer Days Festival kicks off at 9 a.m., and Pilgrimage tours continue. Music, food, sights, and sounds will go until 5 p.m. centered in Carrollton on the Courthouse grounds
This area is noted for its history including landmarks such as homes, churches, many different structures, and cemeteries. These historic structures carry not only history but sentimental value. The history of this area has always been fascinating to me, and so much of this has been recorded over the years in this newspaper. Everything from the abundance of history this community offers, musicians and landmarks makes for a memorable experience here for Carroll countians to visitors. There are many individual that have left a historic impact on this area including Elizabeth Spencer, Mack Allen Smith, John Hurt, Greenwood Leflore, J.Z. George, Trent Lott, H.D. Money, and John McCain to name a few. From the people to the structures, it has a story of this community that lives on throughout our lives. That goes for the citizens here and visitors alike.
The historic significance of this community will be on full display this weekend at the 2024 Carrollton Pilgrimage. With a proud past and optimism for the future, it is truly a community where the past is present.
Ken Strachan serves as the mayor of North Carrollton and is a member of the Mississippi Municipal League Board of directors.
