Sardis

History

The construction of a train depot north of the Little Tallahatchie River lured many residents away from the little river port of Belmont to a small community called Danville (named after its first school teacher, Dan Killebrew.) Incorporated in 1866, just a year after the end of the Civil War, the town petitioned for a post office but postal officials thought the name was too long. Consequently, the people chose the name of Sardis, which was the name of one of the Seven Churches of the New Testament. Sardis became a county seat by 1871.

Sardis Today

Sardis is a town of Southern charm and numerous civic clubs that encourage community involvement. The Panola Playhouse is a well-known and active theatre group housed in a charming setting: a newly-renovated former movie house. Sardis is also home of many architectural landmarks, including the historic Heflin House, along with dozens of homes and churches designed by the noted architect Andrew Johnson.

Tourism

Visitors and residents alike enjoy exploring the side streets of Sardis, discovering its numerous historic homes and neighborhoods. The Heflin House Museum is open every third Sunday of the month from 2:00-4:00 p.m. and is managed by the Heflin House Museum Heritage organization. This group also sponsors an annual Christmas Open House and an annual Flea Market, which draws shoppers from miles around.

Another big attraction is the Panola Playhouse. The Playhouse presents about six plays a year and features actors and directors from Memphis and Oxford as well as lots of local talent. The perennial favorite, “A Christmas Carol,” was first performed more than twenty years ago and is still going strong!

Panola Playhouse

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