Small town Mississippi never ceases to amaze! The tiny towns that fill our state are brimming with charm, character, and history. That’s definitely the case with Iuka. Small only in size, it boasts incredible natural beauty, which includes a waterfall, undeniable small-town charm, and lots of history – part of which you can learn about at the Old Courthouse Museum. Take a look:
With approximately 3,000 residents, Iuka is the epitome of a small town. However, it’s far from your typical small town.
Old Courthouse Museum/Facebook
Iuka is home to the 50-foot Cooper Falls, one of the few waterfalls in Mississippi. It’s also where you’ll find one of the state’s only covered bridges.
Jared Wallin/Google
But what really sets Iuka apart from other small towns is its courthouse, more specifically the number of marriage licenses that have been issued at said courthouse.
The Old Courthouse Museum/Google
Throughout the 40s and 50s, couples flocked to the courthouse in Iuka to get married. Why? Because unlike most states at the time, Mississippi didn’t make couples wait three days after applying for a marriage license to wed.
courthousemuseum.com
Starry-eyed couples from Alabama and Tennessee commonly trekked to Iuka for impromptu nuptials. As word spread, lovebirds from Illinois, Georgia, and several other states made the trip to Iuka to tie the knot.
Old Courthouse Museum/Facebook
Couples were typically married in the tax assessor’s office. However, when several couples showed up at the same time, the upstairs courtroom was used.
Old Tishomingo County Courthouse/TripAdvisor
Eventually, Iuka became known as the “Marriage Capital of the South.” The nickname is pretty fitting since over 44,000 marriage licenses were issued during the years Mississippi had no 3-day waiting period.
Old Courthouse Museum/Facebook
Today, the courthouse serves as a museum, but its roots haven’t been forgotten.
Old Courthouse Museum/Facebook
Each year, the museum hosts “Yes to the Dress,” an event centered around brides and their wedding dresses.
Old Courthouse Museum/Facebook
Of course, there’s more than nuptial-related fun to be had. The museum puts on a variety of events throughout the year – from fairs to courtroom-based productions.
Old Courthouse Museum/Facebook
The Old Courthouse Museum is open Wednesday – Friday from 9 p.m. - 5 p.m. Make sure to check the museum’s website for upcoming events.
Old Tishomingo County Courthouse/TripAdvisor
For more information, call the Old Courthouse Museum at (662) 423-3500. You can also e-mail the museum at tish.courthousemuseum@gmail.com. Additionally, you can check out the museum’s website or Facebook page.
Old Courthouse Museum/Facebook
Jared Wallin/Google
The Old Courthouse Museum/Google
courthousemuseum.com
Old Tishomingo County Courthouse/TripAdvisor
So, did you know about this charming courthouse museum? Or Iuka’s reputation as the Marriage Capital? Ever visited the museum? If so, what’d you think? Tell us in the comments section.
This isn’t the only Mississippi museum worth checking out. Read about another here.
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Address: 203 E Quitman St, Iuka, MS 38852, USA
