Sweet Potato: A storied root
7:50 a.m. July 2, 2025
DUANE CROSS
MCO Publisher•Editor
The humble sweet potato – often mistaken for its cousin, the yam – is more than just a Thanksgiving side dish. This versatile root vegetable boasts a rich history that spans thousands of years and extends across the globe, from the highlands of Peru to the Pacific islands.
Archaeological evidence indicates that sweet potatoes were first cultivated in Central and South America as early as 8,000 to 10,000 years ago. In Peru, ancient civilizations, such as the Inca, depended on the crop as a dietary staple, praising its resilience and nutritional value.
One of the sweet potato’s most intriguing chapters is its mysterious journey to the Polynesian islands. Carbon-dated remains found in the Cook Islands suggest the root was cultivated there by 1100 A.D., long before European explorers arrived. Many scholars believe these points indicate pre-Columbian transoceanic contact between South American and Polynesian peoples, centuries ahead of what was previously thought possible.
After Christopher Columbus encountered the sweet potato in the Caribbean, he brought it back to Europe in the late 15th century. By the 16th century, it had spread across Spain, Portugal, Africa, and Asia. The root thrived in tropical and subtropical climates, becoming a key crop in West African agriculture and cuisine.
In North America, the sweet potato became a staple food in the southern United States, cultivated by Indigenous communities and later by enslaved African Americans. Today, it remains a beloved ingredient in Southern cooking, from sweet potato pie to candied dishes served at holiday meals.
Modern global production is led by China, Nigeria, and the United States, with North Carolina, Mississippi, and Louisiana being the leading U.S. states in production.
Although sweet potatoes are available year-round thanks to improved storage techniques, their natural peak season runs from September through November. Farmers typically plant the crop in spring, once the danger of frost has passed, and harvest it after a long, warm growing season that spans 90 to 120 days.
So, whether mashed, roasted, or baked into a pie, sweet potatoes aren't just a comfort food – they’re a root with a rich history, culture, and staying power.
Vardaman Sweet Potato Festival
Known far and wide as the “Sweet Potato Capital of the World,” the small town of Vardaman, Miss., (pop. 1,058) lives up to its title each November with a festival that honors both its agricultural heritage and its tight-knit community.
The Vardaman Sweet Potato Festival, held annually on the first Saturday in November, draws between 18,000 and 25,000 visitors to this rural Mississippi town. It’s the highlight of “Sweet Potato Week,” a celebration that blends down-home charm with deep-rooted tradition.
Now more than 50 years strong, the festival showcases the crop that has sustained local farmers for generations. Sweet potatoes – particularly the orange-fleshed Beauregard variety – thrive in the area’s sandy loam soil and warm climate. Over the decades, Vardaman has built its identity, economy, and legacy around this nutritious root.
The festival itself is packed with small-town Americana. Live music, craft vendors, and classic car shows line the streets. Families enjoy sweet potato tastings, pie-eating contests, and even a Sweet Potato King and Queen pageant. For early risers, a 5K run/walk kicks off the day’s festivities, and a cooking contest highlights the best in local recipes featuring – you guessed it – sweet potatoes.
In addition to the Saturday celebration, Sweet Potato Week features student-led town government activities, farm tours, and special events at local schools and churches. It all culminates with the Harvest Banquet, held the following weekend in the Vardaman High School gym. There, community leaders present awards to outstanding local farmers and honor those who’ve made a lasting impact, including the recipient of the “Mama Grace” award.
Beyond the fun, the festival also supports the local economy. Proceeds are funneled into community projects, scholarships, and aid for local families in need.
For Vardaman, the Sweet Potato Festival is more than a weekend event – it’s a reminder of the hard work, resilience, and pride that have shaped the town for over a century. As the sweet potatoes come in from the fields, the people of Vardaman come together to honor a crop and a way of life that continues to nourish them all.
Road trip!
A road trip from Lynchburg to Vardaman (about 180-200 miles, ~4.5 hours depending on route) is a great opportunity to explore hidden gems and classic Southern landmarks. Here's a suggested route with interesting stops along the way:
Route Overview
Most scenic/efficient route: Lynchburg → Fayetteville → Huntsville → Tupelo → Vardaman
Landmarks Along the Way
Huntsville, Ala,
• U.S. Space & Rocket Center – See rockets, Apollo artifacts, and space shuttle simulators.
• Monte Sano State Park – Great for a quick hike or scenic picnic with mountain views.
• Lowe Mill ARTS & Entertainment – A repurposed textile mill full of galleries, local artists, and eclectic food spots.
Decatur or Athens, Ala. (optional detour west before heading south)
• Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge – Birdwatching, boardwalk trails, and serene landscapes along the Tennessee River.
Tupelo, Miss.
• Elvis Presley Birthplace and Museum – The King of Rock ’n’ Roll was born here; see his childhood home and chapel.
• Tupelo National Battlefield – A small Civil War site with historical markers and shaded walking paths.
• Downtown Tupelo – Fun shops, cafes, murals, and music history.
Natchez Trace Parkway (optional scenic route from Tishomingo to Houston, Miss.)
• Jump on near Tupelo for a beautiful, quiet drive through forests and meadows.
•Stop at Pharr Mounds (ancient Native American burial mounds) or Bynum Mounds for history and nature.
Houston, Miss. (gateway to Vardaman just 10 miles away.)
• Chickasaw County Heritage Museum – Small-town museum honoring local culture and Chickasaw history.
Vardaman, Miss.
• Sweet Potato Sweets – A must-stop bakery for pies, cookies, and other sweet potato creations.
• Downtown Vardaman – Visit during Sweet Potato Festival week to see the town come alive with events, food, and community spirit.
