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Monument · Clarksdale, Mississippi
The Crossroads
The intersection of Highways 61 and 49 in Clarksdale, marked by a pole with guitars, associated with the legend of guitarist Robert Johnson and a pact made at a crossroads.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Discover
About The Crossroads
One of the blues’ most repeated stories says that guitarist Robert Johnson, in the 1930s, went to a Delta crossroads at midnight and gained his talent through a pact with the devil. The legend inspired songs, films and generations of musicians.
Clarksdale adopted the junction of Highways 61 and 49 as the crossroads of the story and marked the spot with a pole bearing three blue guitars and the signs for the two highways. Researchers note there is no way to know if that is the actual crossroads, or if the event happened: the legend became mixed with accounts about other musicians.
Highways 61 and 49 cross the Delta and carried many musicians to Memphis, Chicago and the North. Highway 61 is called the Blues Highway.
The crossroads sit in a commercial area with no visitor facilities; it’s a quick stop for photos.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
About 10 to 15 minutes.
Best time
Late afternoon, with low light, or at night when the pole is illuminated.
How to get there
It’s at the intersection of North State Street and Desoto Avenue, about 1 km from downtown Clarksdale by car.
Tip
The intersection has heavy traffic: park at nearby businesses and photograph from the sidewalk.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about The Crossroads
Where is Robert Johnson’s crossroads?
Clarksdale identifies the legend’s crossroads with the junction of Highways 61 and 49, marked by a pole with guitars. There is no way to confirm the story’s location.
What is the crossroads legend?
That Robert Johnson made a pact with the devil at a Delta crossroads to play guitar like no one else.
Is it worth stopping at the Crossroads?
For blues fans, yes, as a quick photo stop. There is no museum or visitor center at the junction.