Columbus Black Heritage Trail
- Cheré Dastugue Coen
- 1 minute ago
- 4 min read
This Georgia city south of Atlanta celebrates its talented residents and landmarks.
I must admit, when I think of the blues my brain wonders along the backroads of the Mississippi Delta, imagining the jam sessions of Charley Patton, Robert Johnson and Howlin' Wolf on the porch of Dockery Farms outside Cleveland. Or the juke joints of Clarksdale or the radio show of BB King in Memphis, sending out a new musical sound to the masses.
What a fascinating find to discover Ma Rainey's House & Blues Museum in Columbus, Ga., a town bursting with culture only 90 minutes from Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport. Rainey was a force, traveling the country performing the new blues genre of the 1920s that was dominated by men. Her grit and voice gave her the nickname, "Mother of the Blues."
Rainey was born in Columbus and returned to her hometown in her later years. Her home now serves as a museum to her accomplishments, one of many cultural gems in Columbus that's now part of the new Black Heritage Trail. Designated a National Recreation Trail, the trail features more than 30 historic sites throughout downtown and surrounding neighborhoods. Together, they tell the stories of African American leaders, innovators, artists, entrepreneurs and institutions whose influence shaped the city, Georgia and the nation.
“Black History Month gives us an opportunity not only to reflect, but to actively engage with the stories that define Columbus,” said Ashley Woitena, president and CEO of VisitColumbusGA. “Our Black Heritage Trail is a powerful reminder that these stories are not confined to the past—they continue to inform who we are today and where we are going as a community.”
Horace King: Master Builder of Columbus
One of the most significant figures highlighted during Black History Month is Horace King, a formerly enslaved man born in South Carolina who later lived in Girard, Ala.—now known as Phenix City which is located across the Chattahoochee River from Columbus. King rose to prominence as one of the South’s most accomplished 19th-century builders, credited with constructing bridges, buildings and ships throughout Columbus and the region.
Ma Rainey: The Mother of the Blues
Columbus is also the birthplace of Ma Rainey, whose powerful voice and fearless artistry helped define the blues as a foundational American music genre. Rainey’s home has been preserved through the efforts of engaged citizens, and can be toured by appointment during Black History Month and throughout the year. Note: Ma Rainey’s home is currently undergoing an interior renovation.
From historic roots to global influence
Columbus’s Black cultural influence extends well beyond the 19th and early 20th centuries. Contemporary artist Amy Sherald, who is from Columbus, gained international recognition for her iconic portrait of former First Lady Michelle Obama, commissioned by the Smithsonian’s National Portrait Gallery. Her success represents a modern continuation of the city’s long tradition of Black creative excellence and her work may be found in the Columbus Museum, one of the South's finest art museums.
Places that tell the story
In addition to individual trailblazers, the Black Heritage Trail includes historic sites that anchor African American life in Columbus, such as the Liberty Theatre Cultural Center, St. James AME Church, First African Baptist Church, the Springer Opera House and historic African American cemeteries that honor generations of residents.
These sites, supported by organizations such as the Historic Columbus Foundation, form a living narrative of resilience, innovation and leadership.
Plan a Black History Month visit—or come anytime!
Visitors are encouraged to explore Columbus’s Black Heritage Trail during Black History Month but really, take a stroll anytime of the year. Ma Fest, a music festival dedicated to Ma Rainey and women in music in general, is scheduled for April 25, 2026! Self-guided tour materials are available for the Black Heritage Trail, and advance arrangements can be made to visit select historic sites, including Ma Rainey’s home which is currently undergoing an interior renovation.
Where to Stay
Choose from a range of accommodations, including walkable downtown hotels, riverfront stays and familiar national brands—all offering convenient access to heritage sites, dining and entertainment. According to the Historic Foundation of Columbus, the City Mills Hotel, the city’s first boutique hotel, was once home to a corn mill built by Horace King following the Civil War. For more accommodation ideas, click here.
Where to Dine
From Southern comfort food and locally owned favorites to chef-driven restaurants and casual cafés, Columbus’s dining scene reflects the city’s creativity and hospitality. Many restaurants are located near trail sites, making it easy to pair history with a great meal. The Millhouse Kitchen+Bar at City Mills Hotel has a room dedicated to Horace King. Learn more here.
Things to Do
Enhance your visit with live music, theater performances, gallery exhibits, riverwalk strolls and shopping in historic districts—all within minutes of Black Heritage Trail locations. For a convenient list, click here.
Visit VisitColumbusGA.com for itineraries, lodging options, dining guides and upcoming events.
Visit Columbus Georgia contributed to this blog post.
Weird, Wacky & Wild South is written by food and travel writer Cheré Coen who is a fan of both the blues and Columbus, Ga. She loved the city's rich history, great dining scene, the abundance of art and music and the fact that you can whitewater through town on the roaring Chattahoochee River. (Okay, so that was a rather quiet stretch but it picked up closer to downtown! I swear.)
