PARCHMAN FARM - MISSISSIPPI STATE PENITENTIARY

In 1901, the Mississippi state opened this penitentiary, largely built by inmates, after the purchase of nearly 6 000 hectares to the Parchman family. For several decades, the prison was mainly exploited as a cotton plantation. Prisoners raised cattle, made their clothes, and some served as armed guards. The living conditions there were very difficult and many songs were written about him, especially by musicians who were prisoners, such as Booker T. Washington "Bukka" White (1909-1977) to whom we owe Parchman Farm Blues. In the 1960 s, more than 300 Freedom Riders (civil rights activists) were temporarily imprisoned at Parchman Farm. This penitentiary, still active and with a death corridor, is the oldest of the state. It has more than 4 500 places and 53 buildings. A marker at the Mississippi Blues Trail is located at the main entrance, but it is forbidden to photograph the buildings.