
Freedom Summer was a 1964 voter registration program that brought thousands of volunteers to the Deep South in 1964. Today you can follow an audio driving tour, the Freedom Summer Trail, one of the top things to do in Hattiesburg, Mississippi.
The effort, coordinated by was met with organized violence, including the Mississippi Burning murders of James Chaney of nearby Meridian, Mississippi, and Andrew Goodman and Michael Schwerner, both of New York.
While volunteers were dispatched across Mississippi at 44 sites, including Jackson and Greenwood, the apex of Freedom Summer activities came in Hattiesburg, home to the University of Southern Mississippi.
Download a map and brochure of the city’s 1964 Freedom Summer Trail, to visit to key sites from that pivotal time.
Guidebook
Hattiesburg is a lively college town when school is in session. Click here for local travel info and attractions, and other things to do in Hattiesburg.
To explore more of the state, follow the Mississippi’s Freedom Trail of civil rights historic markers.
Dining
Cotton Blues offers a fun selection of Southern and creole foods, along with burgers and salads.
Leatha’s Bar-B-Que Inn often makes the list of best barbecue joints in Mississippi.
Hotels
Best Western Premier University Inn gets top rating from visitors to this university town.
Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham Hattiesburg offers basic but comfortable accommodations. Nothing fancy, but nothing spendy either.
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