Discover Legacy
Have you heard of the mule train? The last march organized by the civil rights leader Martin Luther King, this protest culminated into the first Poor People's Campaign in Washington, DC. And it all started right here in Quitman County.
Discover Legacy
Have you heard of the mule train? The last march organized by the civil rights leader Martin Luther King, this protest culminated into the first Poor People's Campaign in Washington, DC. And it all started right here in Quitman County.
Cultural Points of Interest
1968 Mule Train Cultural Trail Markers
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The Small Town Center at Mississippi State University, comprised of architects and planners, in conjunction with the Quitman County Board of Supervisors, the Mayor of the City of Marks, and the Board of Aldermen, designed and installed 11 wagon wheel trail markers, some with benches, and seven wayfinding signs around the city of Marks. These were unveiled at a 50th anniversary event honoring the Poor People’s Campaign.
Emmy-Nominated documentary
The Mule Train: Poor People's Campaign Continued
Born in Sledge, Mississippi on March 18, 1938, Charley Pride is an American country music singer, musician-guitarist, recording artist, performer, business owner, and author. Pride is one of the few African-American country musicians to have had considerable success in the country music industry and only the second African American to be inducted as a member of the Grand Ole Opry. He has been honored with a marker along Mississippi Country Music Trail.
1968 Mule Train Cultural Trail Markers
The Small Town Center at Mississippi State University, comprised of architects and planners, in conjunction with the Quitman County Board of Supervisors, the Mayor of the City of Marks, and the Board of Aldermen, designed and installed 11 wagon wheel trail markers, some with benches, and seven wayfinding signs around the city of Marks. These were unveiled at a 50th anniversary event honoring the Poor People’s Campaign.
Emmy-Nominated documentary
The Mule Train: Poor People's Campaign Continued
Born in Sledge, Mississippi on March 18, 1938, Charley Pride is an American country music singer, musician-guitarist, recording artist, performer, business owner, and author. Pride is one of the few African-American country musicians to have had considerable success in the country music industry and only the second African American to be inducted as a member of the Grand Ole Opry. He has been honored with a marker along Mississippi Country Music Trail.
Historic Landmarks
Festivals & Events
In 2015, Quitman County hosted its first annual Mules and Blues Fest. Centered on the “Mule Train” and Martin Luther King, Jr.’s Poor People’s Campaign, this event links the established Mississippi Blues Trail and the Mississippi Freedom Trail.
The Marks’ Mules and Blues Fest is a tremendous opportunity for this region to showcase their historical treasures, artistic talents through music, art, literature, and southern-style culinary skills.
Visit the Mules and Blues Fest website to learn more.
On the last Saturday in September, Marks invites everyone to come out to their Annual September Song Festival. Hosted by Les Grande Soeurs and the Quitman County Arts Council, this free event provides an opportunity for people to mingle, visit, shop, eat, and enjoy local entertainment.
Other community events include:
- Annual Juneteenth
- Martin Luther King Day-Prayer Breakfast
- Belen Day
- Lambert Day
- Annual Christmas Parade
- Earth Day
- Veterans Day