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History- Holly Springs is defined by its rich and varied history. Events through the centuries have left an indelible imprint on the face of this town. In the early days, at a place known only to a brave and civilized tribe of Chickasaw Indians, natural springs flowed through hills of holly trees. It became a gathering place for traders and explorers, as well as a center for trade and commerce. This included the trade and sale of king cotton, which financed the area’s stately mansions and pristine gardens.
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Historic Home, Garden, & Church Tours
Get a first hand glimpse of early life in Holly Springs by visiting our historic homes and churches. Some open daily and some by appointment.
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Hillcrest Cemetery
Wander through this statue garden of elaborate headstones, which serves as a peaceful home to 14 confederate generals, unknown soldiers from the Battle of Shiloh, the first African-American senator Hiram Revels, acclaimed writer Sherwood Bonner (who studied under Henry Wadsworth Longfellow), and Kate Freeman Clark, a local painter who studied under William Merritt Chase. Join us in April when Hill Crest Cemetery is the setting for an animated storytelling celebration where local townspeople, dressed in costumes of the day, re-enact roles of Holly Springs’ most illustrious characters during the annual Spring Pilgrimage. Click here to view information on the self guided tour of Hill Crest Cemetery.
Famous Holly Springs Citizens
-Sherwood Bonner
-Kate Freeman Clark
-Hiram Revels
-Ida B. Wells- Barnett
-R.L. Burnside
-Junior Kimbrough
-Charlie Feathers
Learn more about the Characters of Holly Springs!
The Van Dorn Raid
General Earl Van Dorn, a Confederate officer famed for daring raids of both military and domestic natures, demonstrated the former in December of 1862 here in Holly Springs.
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Get a more personalized tour of Historic Holly Springs with our audio tour. Click the link below to learn more.
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