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Yellow Fever Martyrs Church Museum: A Testament to Sacrifice

Honoring heroes of the 1878 Yellow Fever Epidemic in a historic church turned museum in Holly Springs, Mississippi.

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The Yellow Fever Martyrs Church Museum in Holly Springs, MS, commemorates the devastating 1878 epidemic and the selfless individuals who risked their lives to care for the afflicted. Originally built as an Episcopal church in 1841, it later became St. Joseph's Catholic Church and now stands as a museum honoring the martyrs.

A brief summary to Yellow Fever Church Museum

Local tips

  • Access to the Yellow Fever Museum is through the Marshall County Historical Museum.
  • Check the opening hours before visiting, as the museum is closed on Mondays and Sundays.
  • Consider visiting during the annual Christmas Tour of Homes to see the church decorated for the holidays.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    The Yellow Fever Martyrs Church Museum is located at 305 E College Ave, Holly Springs, MS. From the Marshall County Courthouse, walk east on College Avenue for approximately 2 blocks. The museum will be on your right. There are no fees for accessing the immediate area.

  • Public Transport

    While public transportation options within Holly Springs are limited, Uber is available. From any point in Holly Springs, request an Uber ride to 305 E College Ave. Expect to pay around $8 - $15 for a short trip within the city. Confirm the fare before starting your trip.

  • Driving

    From the center of Holly Springs, drive east on E College Ave. The Yellow Fever Martyrs Church Museum will be on the right at 305 E College Ave. Parking is available on the street. Check for any parking restrictions. Driving within Holly Springs is generally straightforward. There are no tolls in the immediate vicinity.

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The Yellow Fever Martyrs Church Museum stands as a poignant reminder of the 1878 yellow fever epidemic that ravaged Holly Springs, Mississippi. What was once a thriving town known as the "City of Flowers" was brought to its knees by the deadly disease. The museum honors the memory of Father Anacletus Oberti and the Sisters of Charity who heroically served the community during this crisis, ultimately sacrificing their own lives. The building itself has a rich history, beginning its life as Christ Episcopal Church in 1839. Constructed in 1841, it's a rare example of heavy timber-frame church construction. In 1857, the Catholic population purchased the building and moved it to its current location on College Avenue, renaming it St. Joseph's Church. It became the first Catholic Church in North Mississippi, serving a growing parish during the railroad construction boom. In August 1878, yellow fever struck Holly Springs, and Father Oberti and the Sisters of Charity from Bethlehem Academy established a makeshift hospital in the Marshall County Courthouse. They tirelessly cared for the sick, providing comfort and aid in the face of overwhelming suffering. Among the 1,440 who perished were Father Oberti and seven of the Sisters. The museum officially opened in 2000 after years of restoration. It features exhibits and artifacts related to the yellow fever epidemic, the martyrs, and the church's history as a Roman Catholic Church. Visitors can see a room depicting how the courthouse looked as a hospital during the epidemic. The "Michelly Painting" has been in the Church since 1858 and remains in the Museum today. A visit to the Yellow Fever Martyrs Church Museum offers a chance to reflect on the courage and compassion displayed during a dark chapter in Holly Springs' history. It's a place to honor those who gave their lives in service to others and to learn about the impact of the yellow fever epidemic on the community.

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