Historic Sites

Starkville City Jail - Johnny Cash

Johnny Cash was arrested in Starkville, Miss., on May 11, 1965, for what he described as "pickin' flowers." To remember the experience, Cash wrote the song, “Starkville City Jail,” and performed it at San Quentin State Prison on Feb. 24, 1969. More than 40 years after the crime, the community decided to issue symbolic pardons on The Man in Black’s behalf for his long-long good-humor and spirit of redemption.

These symbolic pardons are renewed during the annual Johnny Cash Flower Pickin’ Festival, a weekend-long music festival in the spirit of The Man in Black—fun and off the beaten path. Previous performers and attendees include Rosanne Cash, Marshall Grant, Marty Stuart, Billy Joe Shaver and many others.

For more information, visit www.pardonjohnnycash.com.

View the Arts Walk map (PDF, 1.48 MB)