The State of Mississippi has 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.

The state’s slogan is ‘Birthplace of America’s Music’.

“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,” said Mary Beth Wilkerson, Mississippi Development Authority tourism director.

Building on the success of the Mississippi Blues Trail, which now boasts over 100 markers across Mississippi and in Muscle Shoals, Ala., Helena, Arkansas, 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, Philadelphia native Marty Stuart, an artist who will be featured on the trail, lobbied the State Senate to pass legislation to create the landmark-based attraction.