Arts and Culture

The Blues – Clay County is the birthplace of blues great Chester Arthur "Howlin' Wolf" Burnett. Located in the City, there is a marker on the Mississippi Blues trail commemorating his life and contribution to the music world. There is also a Howlin' Wolf Blues Museum full of artifacts from blues and rock legends. The Howlin' Wolf Blues Museum attracts visitors and contributors from around the world.

White Station - Do you want to know where Howlin' Wolf's blues inspiration began? Check out White Station it is about four miles from downtown West Point and experience his blues inspiration, the place where "the Wolf" got his start.

The Sam Y. Wilhite Train Museum – Based on the collections of West Point native, Sam Y. Wilhite, former President and Chairman of the Board of the Columbus and Greenville Railroad, this charming downtown museum contains, among its collections, area transportation history, a model railroad display, and a 1927 Model T Ford automobile originally adapted for use of the C & G. The automobile was donated to the Smithsonian Institute's Museum of American History by Wilhite and is now back on loan from the Institute.

The Bryan Reading Park - located across the street from the Bryan Public Library, it's anchored by bronze busts of famous Mississippi authors and features a central water fountain designed for children to run through on a hot summer day.

One Room School House - is in Clay County it is on t he National Registry.This school was apparently built about 1890. as it. is similar in its architectural details to houses built in the area about that time. Classes in the building apparently ceased c. 1910, a/ter which local children were transported daily to a consolidated school in nearby West Point. Land for the school was donated in 1861. This school was apparently built about 1890  as it is similar in its architectural details to houses built in the area about that time. Classes in the building apparently ceased c. 1910, a/ter which local children were transported daily to a consolidated school in nearby West Point. Land for the school was donated in 1861.

West Point is  a cultural haven with over 28 listing on the National Registry.

Click here to see the National Registry.

Festivals

• The Annual Prairie Arts Festival - Features many of the South's finest artisans showcasing their talents in West Point's downtown parks. The Prairie Arts Festival, held every Labor Day weekend, is regularly recognized as one of the "Top 10 Events in the South." The weekend's festivities kicks of with the Prairie Arts 5K run, and other concerts.
• Black Priaire Blues Festival formerly The Howlin' Wolf Memorial Blues Festival - Held each Friday before Labor Day, the Black Prairie Blues Festival features some of the finest musicians in the country. Other concerts continue throughout the year.
• West Point/Clay County Arts Council – an organization open to all interested persons who care about the arts, the Arts Council regularly brings theatrical productions to West Point and sponsors a number of annual events for both children and adults.
  • Artists and Authors Showcase Christmas Open House
  • Music in the Park, Thursdays in April and May
  • Student's Annual Prairie Arts Art Competition
  • West Point In Focus, a photography contest for all ages
  • Arts In Education Mini-Grants Program - Spring and Fall grants open to any Clay County school's or teacher's arts program

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