Rural Mississippi is full of hidden gems, including an incredible piece of rock ‘n roll history – the Lynyrd Skynyrd Monument. You may think the monument seems out of place, but its location makes complete sense once you learn it’s near the site of the 1977 place crash that claimed the lives of a few band members along with several others. Take a look:
A small, unincorporated community, Gillsburg may not seem too significant; however, that’s hardly the case. It’s the site of the infamous Lynyrd Skynyrd plane crash.
Logawi/Wikimedia The history making crash occurred on October 20, 1977, when the leased plane the band was traveling on, ran out of fuel and plummeted into the dense woods of Gillsburg.
Three band members - lead singer Ronnie Van Zant, guitarist Steve Gaines, and vocalist Cassie Gaines – died in the crash. The band’s road manager Dean Kilpatrick, the pilot, and co-pilot were also killed.
MCA Records/Wikimedia Despite the immense tragedy, the crash proved that southern hospitality is a real thing. After the crash, Gillsburg residents did whatever they could to help - from clearing pathways to traversing “swampy snake infested waters.” They also helped rescue officials build a makeshift triage before transporting victims to the hospital in the beds of their pickup trucks.
Back in October 2019, the Lynyrd Skynyrd Monument was debuted in Gillsburg, paying homage to the victims and survivors of the crash and further cementing Gillsburg’s place in rock ‘n roll history.
Lynyrd Skynyrd Monument/Google
The 7-ton black granite monument is the brainchild of Gillsburg residents who participated in rescuing victims on that fateful October night in 1977.
Lynyrd Skynyrd Monument/Google
Hundreds of people (some from as far away as Alaska!) traveled to the small community for the unveiling. Among the attendees were several members of lead singer Ronnie Van Zant’s family, including his widow, daughter, and grandchildren.
Leslie Lawson/Google
Though not extremely large, the monument is truly beautiful. Standing at 8’ in height and 14’ wide, it features several sentimental details, such as pictures and quotes.
Lynyrd Skynyrd Monument/Google
Even the stairs leading to the monument have a special meaning. There are six steps - one for each person that died in the crash.
Lynyrd Skynyrd Monument/Google
The monument’s location is pretty significant, too. It’s situated just 400 yards from the original crash site.
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Logawi/Wikimedia
The history making crash occurred on October 20, 1977, when the leased plane the band was traveling on, ran out of fuel and plummeted into the dense woods of Gillsburg.
MCA Records/Wikimedia
Despite the immense tragedy, the crash proved that southern hospitality is a real thing. After the crash, Gillsburg residents did whatever they could to help - from clearing pathways to traversing “swampy snake infested waters.” They also helped rescue officials build a makeshift triage before transporting victims to the hospital in the beds of their pickup trucks.
Lynyrd Skynyrd Monument/Google
Lynyrd Skynyrd Monument/Google
Leslie Lawson/Google
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The Lynyrd Skynyrd Monument is open 24 hours a day/7 days per week and is free to visit.
Want to learn more about this infamous plane crash? Click here.
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Address: 7364 Easley Rd, Magnolia, MS 39652, USA
