We decided that we HAD to leave Clarksdale (really wanted to stay there though) and headed down Hwy. 61 South to Leland, MS. for more Blues History.

I had just told Allan that he should take the next right-hand turn and when I looked to my right I didn't see a road to Leland but the saw the Mississippi State Penitentuary. YIKES! Al immediately avoided that turn into the State's oldest Prison.

It was opened in 1901 on 18,000 acres in Parchman, Mississippi.. It is maximum security with 4,500 inmates and actually is PARCHMAN FARMS that was known to be the Chain-Gang Black Prison. Many songs have been written about Parchman Farms....

It was definitely an unexpected 'tourist attraction'.