Welcome from the Mayor

It is my pleasure to welcome you to Cleveland, Mississippi, the Heart of the Mississippi Delta! It is our sincere hope that you not only enjoy your stay here but that you also learn about our region, our people, and our history. This distinctive area is a mixture of challenges and opportunities, much like the rich soil that grows our crops and the Mississippi River on our western county border.

It has been said that "Without Mississippi there would be no American music." We take it a step further by stating that without the Delta there would be no American music. While others may dispute this claim you have the opportunity to decide for yourself. Music is a big part of our past but it is also a big part of our future. We have opened the only GRAMMY Museum located outside Los Angeles, California. This exciting facility is located adjacent to Delta State University and provides an exchange program for students from Delta State, the Delta Music Institute, and Los Angeles area colleges and universities.

There are many reasons why Smithsonian Magazine named Cleveland, MS number two on the list of "The Top Twenty Small Towns to Visit in 2013", but chief among them is the fact that for a city our size we have a tremendous concentration of the arts, museums, restaurants, and other cultural features. The City of Cleveland’s Railroad Heritage Museum and the Delta State Archives are great places to start your historical journey. Visit the restored Ellis Theatre, the Wright Art Center, or the Bologna Performing Arts Center for a taste of our thriving arts community. We would be remiss if we left out our mouth-watering barbeque and hot tamales. Cleveland offers a wide variety of dining options - each one an excellent choice. You will find unique shopping and entertainment owned and staffed by some of the friendliest people you will ever meet.

You may be here for a lifetime, or if only for a season, nevertheless, we appreciate your interest and support of our town. Please stop by and see us again.

Sincerely,

Billy Nowell, Mayor