Today, the State of Mississippi unveiled its newest heritage attraction, the Mississippi Country Music Trail. The announcement was made during the annual Governor's Conference on Tourism being held in Tupelo this week.

“As we continue to spotlight the state's slogan, "Birthplace of America's Music," we are excited to unveil such a key element in that message, the Mississippi Country Music Trail,” said Mary Beth Wilkerson, Tourism director for the Mississippi Development Authority. “Because music—and country music in particular—is such an important part of Mississippi's cultural legacy, the Country Music Trail will help to increase awareness of Mississippi as a tourism destination for a diverse spectrum of consumers.”

Building on the success of the Mississippi Blues Trail, which now boasts over 100 markers across Mississippi and in Muscle Shoals, Ala., Helena, Ark., Chicago and Memphis, the Country Music Trail celebrates Mississippi's rich heritage of country music legends and chart toppers. The trail will feature a variety of country music artists, including Jimmie Rodgers (known as the “Father of Country Music”), Charley Pride, Conway Twitty, Jerry Clower, Faith Hill, Paul Overstreet and others to comprise the first 30 markers across the state.

The trail has garnered significant support since before its inception. In early 2009, Mississippi's own country music legend Marty Stuart (an artist who will be featured on the trail) lobbied the State Senate to pass legislation to create the landmark-based attraction.

Wilkerson added, “The support of our artists and community leaders has been so inspiring and such a central part of making the Country Music Trail a reality.”