From Civil War history to beautiful stately homes and even haunted tales, these landmarks are must-see spots for any history-buff. Start planning your historical tour of Laurel and Jones County, Mississippi!
Lauren Rogers Museum of Art
Located in the heart of Laurel, the Lauren Rogers Museum of Art is known as one of the must-see spots in Jones County, but it also serves as one of the most historic spots to visit! Erected in 1923, the museum was built upon the foundation of Lauren Rogers’s house, which was incomplete at the time of its namesake’s death. Walking into the lobby of the museum, visitors will find the main structure is reminiscent of a stroll through some of the most beautiful historic homes found across the South. The Georgian Revival structure features quarter-sawn golden oak paneling and cork floors, double-hung sash windows, handwrought iron gates, railings, and hardware, and many other beautiful design features. Building additions and renovations were completed in 1925, 1983, and 2013, bringing the Museum to its present size of 27,500 square feet – an absolute must-see when you’re in Laurel, MS!
Amos-Deason Home
Built in 1845 by the wealthiest man in the region, the Amos-Deason Home certainly has a unique history and – some would say – a spooky present! The story of a crime that took place during the Civil War-era contains anger towards the war, Confederate deserters, questioned Southern loyalty, and a haunting tale that ended at the Amos-Deason home. Read the full history of this storied building.
Note: Due to Covid-19, the Amos-Deason Home is not currently open for tours.
Laurel Historic District
Fans of history, beautiful homes, and HGTV’s Home Town can all agree that the Laurel Historic District walking tour is a Southern sight to behold. The district is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and is the largest in-tact contiguous collection of turn-of-the-century craftsman & bungalow style housing in the state of Mississippi. The houses range from stately homes to cottages, and the towering oaks and quiet, small town streets are beyond stroll-worthy.
Stop by the Lauren Rogers Museum of Art to grab an official Laurel Walking Tour brochure.
Historical Markers
Want even more spots to add to your list of historic places in Jones County? Don’t miss these historical markers (name and location of marker listed below).
- Laurel City Hall – 401 North 5th Avenue in Laurel
- Hotel Pinehurst – at the intersection of North 5th Avenue (S
tate Highway 537) and West Oak Street - Jones County Courthouse – 101 N Court Street in Ellisville
- Old Ellisville – On Highway 11 in Ellisville near the intersection with Mill Street
- Skirmish at Rocky Creek – About 2 miles west of Ellisville on Highway 588
- Masonite Corporation – 1001 South 4th Avenue in Laurel
- Amos Deason Home – at the corner of Deason and Anderson Street in Ellisville
- Jones County Blues – 230 Maple Street in Laurel
- Big Creek Church – Highway 84 at the intersection with Big Creek Church Road
- King Visits Laurel – 517 Jefferson Street in Laurel
- Oak Park School – 1174 Queensburg Avenue in Laurel
- Ralph Boston – 2280 Queensburg Avenue in Laurel
- South Mississippi Charity Hospital – near 120 Buchanan Street in Laurel
- Tuckers Crossing Baptist Church – near the intersection of Tuckers Crossing Road and Highway 15
- JCJC Bobcats Defy Segregation – next to the gymnasium (on Central Street) on the campus of Jones County Junior College
- Ellisville State School – 1101 Old Hwy 11 south of Ellisville
History-buffs will love our area for more than just the historic buildings. Make sure to add the Veterans War Memorial and the Veterans Memorial Museum to your itinerary of historic places to visit in Jones County!
