In 1902, President Theodore Roosevelt was invited to the Mississippi Delta for a black bear hunt by the owner of Smedes Plantation in Southern Sharkey County. The renowned bear hunter Holt Collier was chosen as the president's guide for this adventure.
Holt Collier was a legendary African American bear hunter born into slavery in Mississippi. After the Civil War, he continued hunting bears and became famous for his exceptional skills. Collier had hunted and killed over 3,000 bears in his lifetime, earning him the title of "The Great Bear Hunter."
During the hunting trip with President Roosevelt, Collier tracked and cornered a black bear, which was subsequently tied to a tree. However, when Roosevelt arrived at the scene, he refused to shoot the tethered bear, considering it unsportsmanlike. This event inspired a political cartoonist, Clifford Berryman, to create a cartoon depicting the president's refusal to shoot the bear. The funny, in turn, led to the creation of the famous stuffed toy known as the "Teddy Bear," named after Theodore "Teddy" Roosevelt.
There is a little bit tricky story as this: HOLT COLLIER Holt Collier was born in 1846 as an enslaved person on Howell Hinds' Home Hill Plantation in Jeffer- son County, MS. As a youth, he cared for the hound dogs on the plantation. When Holt was ten years old, he was taken to another plantation located in Washington County, MS. His primary duty was to provide meat for the plantation workers. He became an excellent marksman. Holt killed his first bear at the age of I0. When the Civil War began, Holt joined the Confederacy. He was only 14 years old. Holt was involved in the action and served as a military spy. After the war, he spent some time in Texas then returned to Washington County. Holt became a well-known bear hunter. He is credited with killing more than 3,000 bears. In 1902, Holt Collier led President Theodore Roosevelt on a bear-hunting expedition in Sharkey County, MS. Holt and his tracking dogs cornered a bear and summoned the President to join them. Before the President arrived, the bear attacked Holt's best track- ing dog, Jocko. Furious, Holt hit the bear over the head with his rifle, then tied him to a tree. When the President arrived, he saw the helpless bear and refused to shoot him. Holt Collier died in 1936 and is buried in Live Oak Cemetery in Greenville, MS, near the the area where he killed his first bear.
Muddy Waters, born McKinley Morganfield on April 4, 1913, was an influential American blues musician, often called the "Father of Modern Chicago Blues." He was born in either Issaquena County or neighbouring Sharkey County, near Rolling Fork, Mississippi, and spent his early years on the Stovall Plantation in Mississippi, near Clarksdale. The Mississippi Delta region, including towns like Rolling Fork and Clarksdale, played a significant role in shaping the blues music Muddy Waters would later become famous for. His connection to Rolling Fork is his birth and early life in the surrounding area, which influenced his development as a musician and contributed to his iconic blues style.
Some of Muddy Waters' most famous songs include "Hoochie Coochie Man," "I'm Ready," and "Mannish Boy.”
Rolling Fork, Mississippi, is a small town located in the Mississippi Delta region. It is situated near the Mississippi River and its tributaries, known for its muddy and sediment-filled waters. The term "muddy water" in Rolling Fork can refer to the water in the nearby rivers, streams, and creeks, which can become particularly muddy due to soil erosion and runoff, especially during heavy rain or flooding.
The muddy waters in the area result from the rich alluvial soil found in the Mississippi Delta, which contributes to the region's agricultural productivity. However, this soil can quickly erode and become suspended in the water, giving it a cloudy appearance. This characteristic of the local waterways is a critical aspect of the region's landscape and history, including its connection to the development of the blues music genre. The term "muddy waters" has been used metaphorically in blues lyrics to represent various hardships and challenges faced by people living in the Delta region.
The open road stretched before us, beckoning us to embark on a journey of discovery and adventure. We set out from Vicksburg, Mississippi, the historic town known for its charm and Southern hospitality. Our first stop was the Corners Mansion Inn, a grand old mansion where we spent the night in luxury and indulgence.
The following day, we ventured to the Levee Street Marketplace, a vibrant hub of local culture and commerce. We strolled among the stalls, admiring the handcrafted goods and sampling the delicious fare of the Deep South. From there, we continued to the Vicksburg National Military Park, where we explored the hallowed grounds and learned about the history of the Civil War.
Our journey then took us to Rolling Fork, Mississippi, where we visited the Visitors Center & Museum and discovered the rich heritage of the Mississippi Delta. We also stopped at Mont Helena, a beautiful plantation home with a stunning view of the surrounding landscape.
As we made our way to Clarksdale, Mississippi, we drove along the Blues Crossroads Highways 61 and 49, taking in the sights and sounds of the region that gave birth to the blues. At the Delta Blues Museum, we were immersed in the area's musical history, learning about the legends who paved the way for modern music.
Our final stop was at the iconic Hollywood Cafe in Hollywood, Mississippi, where we savoured the flavours of classic Southern cuisine and basked in the ambience of a bygone era.
As we left Clarksdale, the sun was beginning to set, casting a warm glow over the rolling hills of the Mississippi Delta. We hopped back in our car and made our way towards Tunica, eager to take in the natural beauty of the Mississippi River at sunset. The Tunica River Park did not disappoint - the tranquil waters were bathed in a golden light, and we spent a few blissful moments just taking in the scenery. As the sky turned from gold to pink to purple, we realised we were hungry and decided to head towards our final destination for the night, the Hilton Garden Inn Memphis East Germantown. The drive took us through some charming small towns, and we chatted happily about the memories we had made that day. Finally, we arrived at the hotel and were delighted to find a cosy room waiting for us, complete with all the amenities we needed to make our stay comfortable. We couldn't wait to explore Germantown and see what adventures the next day would bring.
Don't be afraid to get lost in new places!
