When History Speaks Back: Sacred Ground, Spirits, and Stories of Carroll County
Release Date: 01/15/2026
Inside the Merrill Museum: Where Carroll County’s Stories Live On
The Visit Carroll Podcast
What can one historic building reveal about nearly two centuries of Carroll County history? Located in Carrollton’s oldest surviving brick commercial building, the Merrill Museum preserves the people, artifacts, and stories that shaped the region. In this episode, Kenny Downs, Denise Gronous, and Tommy Goodman share the museum’s connection to the McCain family, films such as The Reivers and The Help, and an extensive collection of Native American artifacts spanning thousands of years. Discover why the Merrill Museum is more than a collection of antiques—it is a place where Carroll...
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Celtic Heritage Comes Alive at the Cotesworth Celtic Gathering
The Visit Carroll Podcast
At the Cotesworth Celtic Gathering, Carroll County’s history, music, athletics, and community spirit come together in a celebration unlike anything else in North Mississippi. This episode of the Carroll County Podcast takes listeners inside the festival, from the power and tradition of the Highland Games to the lively sounds of Irish music, fiddle tunes, local heritage, and stories passed down through generations. Through conversations with organizers, athletes, and musicians, we hear how this growing event connects Celtic roots with Mississippi culture while...
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Cruisin’ Cotesworth: Classic Cars, Local History, and a Day Worth the Drive
The Visit Carroll Podcast
What happens when classic cars, small-town community, and Mississippi history all come together in one place? In this episode, we spotlight Cruisin’ Cotesworth in Carroll County—a one-of-a-kind event that blends antique and collectible cars with the rich story of one of the region’s most historic homes. Hear from Kenny Downs, David Jinkins, and Punky Stewart as they share what makes this event so special, from the relaxed atmosphere and unique setting to the heritage demonstrations, family activities, and community support that keep people coming back. Whether you love cars, local...
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When History Speaks Back: Sacred Ground, Spirits, and Stories of Carroll County
The Visit Carroll Podcast
Carroll County’s history is not just something you learned, but rather something you experience. In this episode, public historian and podcaster Shannon Evans joins paranormal investigators and local storytellers to reveal how cemeteries, historic homes, and landmarks across Carroll County continue to hold memory, meaning, and mystery. From the burial grounds of Mississippi John Hurt and Revolutionary War drummer John Cain to interactive paranormal investigations at the Cotesworth Culture and Heritage Center, this discussion blends documented history with personal encounters that...
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Painted Places: How Carroll County Turned History Into a Roadside Story
The Visit Carroll Podcast
What if a drive through a small Mississippi county could feel like walking through a living museum? In this episode of The Visit Carroll Podcast, we explore how Carroll County’s walls, storefronts, and streets have become storytellers—preserving history while inviting new curiosity. You’ll hear from a muralist, two mayors, and a local business owner who reveal how faded ghost signs, restored advertisements, and thoughtfully designed murals are shaping identity, sparking nostalgia, and drawing visitors who are willing to slow down and look a little closer....
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Cotesworth: A Stagecoach Inn, A Senator’s Legacy, and a Home Frozen in Time
The Visit Carroll Podcast
In this episode of The Visit Carroll Podcast, Kenny Downs and Pam Lee guide listeners through the remarkable story of Cotesworth. This historic property began as a bustling 1840s stagecoach inn and later became the residence of Senator J. Z. George. Together, they trace the home’s evolution along historic travel routes, its Greek Revival transformation, and the profound personal history woven into its walls. From George’s rise as a legal mind and U.S. Senator to the family’s enduring connection to the property, this episode highlights the people and moments that shaped...
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Crossroads of Time: Carroll County’s Story of Rise, Resilience, and Remarkable People
The Visit Carroll Podcast
Carroll County’s past is filled with movement, ambition, and unforgettable personalities—and this episode brings that journey to life. Join Kenny Downs and Mayor Pam Lee as they guide us through the county’s founding after the Treaty of Dancing Rabbit Creek, the surge of early settlers, and the powerful role stagecoach routes once played in shaping the region’s prosperity. We also explore the turning points that altered the county’s trajectory, from railroad decisions to the Great Migration, and how those shifts transformed the community landscape. Finally, hear about...
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