Terra Cotta

Terra Cotta has long been used for architectural details, especially in the hue of burnt orange, but also with glazes to add varied colors. The wide variety of options seems unlimited, both in historic buildings as well as modern. It is relatively inexpensive to produce in quantity and quite lightweight compared to carved stone.

Belond that, the shape and geometry of this image lends itself to the square format that I love.

Bird on a pole

You need to look close to see the bird... click the photo for a larger view.

Vicksburg's strategic advantage during the Civil War was that the town was built on a high bluff. Holding the "higher ground" made it difficult to attack. Bluffs are rare along the Mississippi. 

Of course the disadvantage of building on a bluff is that getting to for from the river required steps and steep slopes.

Civil War Museum

Vicksburg was the site of a critical victory by the Union late the Civil War. The town was key to the control of the Mississippi river. The Vicksburg National Military Park and National Cemetery are just outside of town and here, on the banks of the river in downtown, is a museum recounting the historic events. 

B.B. King's

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Beale Street

Across the way

This picture is in keeping with my photo blog style, but is is really a follow-up to yesterday's post.

Shown is the building from which James Earl Ray made the fatal shot. 

The well known picture that is forever seared in my memory is of the scene 180 degrees from the above viewpoint... that of the balcony showing Andrew Young, Jesse Jackson and others pointing across the way toward the location of the perpetrator. 

The Lorraine

Perhaps the most well-know motel that is no longer a motel. This of course is where Martin Luther King was assassinated in 1968. The property is now operated as the National Civil Rights Museum in downtown Memphis. 

Life is too short

If you are a regular visitor you many have noticed that my recent posts are not from my home territory. I recently river cruised the lower Mississippi and have quite a few pictures to share. Being in unfamiliar surroundings provides many opportunities for exploring and photographing. 

This photo is from Memphis, the former home of Elvis Presley. In the Graceland domain there are multiple tributes to the King, including a museum showcasing Elvis's collection of cars, as well as two aeroplanes. I am not a huge Elvis fan but found the many exhibits fun.