The Birthplace and Resting Place of Leadbelly

I drove the Farm to Market Roads from Jefferson to Mooringsport yesterday.
I wasn’t even alerted to when I was in Louisiana, but knew when I saw the yellow “CHURCH” sign I had reached my destination.

This little church has one of the most important musicians in history buried in it’s cemetery. There was no one there. 3 cars passed by during my visit. Yet, guitar picks were strewn across his grave and it was nicely maintained. I paid my respects and then moved on to Mooringsport.

I had planned on going to the Mini Museum, but despite the hours posted online and on their building they were closed. Plus, my phone didn’t have service or I would’ve called the numbers posted. That really bummed me out. So I walked down to Caddo Lake and took picture of the little downtown area.

Though Leadbelly was born in Mooringsport, he grew up in Texas on the other end of the Lake. Closer to where I live now. A couple of years ago I adapted “Goodnight Irene” into a screenplay and during my research found out how close I was to his history. One day I hope to make that film, but being able to visit his grave meant a lot to me. I’ll just have to go back again to visit the museum.