10 Oldest Founded Small Towns to Visit in the Southern United States
The Southern United States is a geographically stunning part of the US, defined by the Atlantic Ocean, the Appalachian Mountains, the Gulf of Mexico, and the Mississippi River. The region is also famous for its distinctive and diverse culture, culinary splendor, and rich history. Notably, the Southern United States is home to the oldest inhabited town in the country, dating back to the 1500s. Many other incredibly old towns are spread out across the region, preserving important histories and heritage. These towns are highly important and worth visiting because they represent the beginning of what is now known as the United States of America. From St Marys, Georgia, to Williamsburg, Virginia, here are the 10 oldest-founded towns in the Southern United States to visit today.
Batesville, Arkansas
Batesville represents the oldest existing town in Arkansas, dating to 1808, when the Osage Indians ceded the territory to the US. Around 1812, a man known as John Reed built a trading post and settlement in the area, officially becoming its first resident. At the time, the area was also an important port on the White River. In 1820, the first post office was opened, after which the town was surveyed and officially named Batesville after James Woodson Bates, the first territorial delegate from Arkansas. From then, the town grew rapidly and today, it is a bustling hub full of businesses and historic attractions like the Old Independence Regional Museum, where visitors can learn about the region’s history. More interesting establishments to check out in modern-day Batesville include - the Mark Martin Museum (featuring historic car exhibits) and Gallery on Main (home to fascinating artworks alongside rotating exhibits).
Childersburg, Alabama
Childersburg’s history dates back to 1540 when it was a town of the Coosa Indian nation. At the time, the Spanish explorer Hernando DeSoto and his Spaniards visited the area and were well received and entertained by the tribe for a month. After their stay, the Spaniards departed in August 1540 and left some of their members. This record makes the area a strong contender for the oldest occupied settlement in America. However, the town was officially incorporated in 1889, and today, it reflects rich Southern history with attractions like the Kymulga Grist Mill (built in 1864) and Covered Bridge (built in 1861). The Victorian-style Butler Harris Rainwater Museum (built in 1894) is another historic attraction worth visiting for a trip back in time. Elsewhere, Childersburg hosts Majestic Caverns - one of the state’s unique attractions where tourists can explore a scenic underground cave via guided tours to see stunning stalactites and stalagmites.
Greeneville, Tennessee
Historically, the area now known as Greenville has been inhabited as early as 10,000 BC by Native Americans. Several millennia later, in the 1700s, Europeans began settling in the area. In 1783, the town was officially incorporated as the second oldest in Tennessee.
These days, the town is renowned as the place where President Andrew Johnson began his political career. Hence, the Andrew Johnson National Historic Site is a foremost tourist attraction here, featuring his tailor shop, statue, grave site, and two of his homes. Explore the town's history and that of Greene County at the Greeneville Greene County History Museum in twelve galleries and several exhibits. While still in town, head to the Capitol Theater of Greenville to enjoy interesting shows, movies, and live performances. Before leaving, hit the outdoors to check out the historic Bible Covered Bridge.
Jonesborough, Tennessee
Jonesborough bears the title of the oldest town in Tennessee. More than a decade before Tennessee became a state, this town was already founded by European settlers in 1779. At the time, it was part of North Carolina and was named after Willie Jones, a resident of the state. Hundreds of years later, Jonesborough stands as evidence of the rich history of the South with a beautifully preserved Main Street where the International Storytelling Center awaits to reveal interesting stories. Meanwhile, the town’s glorious past comes alive at the Chester Inn State Historic Site and Museum, featuring photography, exhibits, dioramas, and artifacts. The Chuckey Depot Museum also welcomes visitors to learn about the area’s railroad history. Visitors can take a break from history and have fun at Wetlands Water Park, which hosts waterslides, picnic areas, and nature trails.
Natchitoches, Louisiana
Natchitoches was a former French outpost by the Red River established in 1714 by Louis Juchereau de St. Denis and named after the Natchitoches Native People. The town was incorporated in 1819 and is the oldest permanent settlement in Louisiana after its acquisition from the French First Republic in the Louisiana Purchase. One of its highlight historic attractions is the Basilica of Immaculate Conception, first built in 1728 before many towns in the US were even founded. While in this town, visit and purchase souvenirs at the Kaffie-Frederick General Mercantile Store (built in 1863), and also check out the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame, which honors sports icons across the state. Before leaving town, head to Lasyone’s Meat Pie Restaurant to taste the Natchitoches Meat Pie, one of the state’s official foods.
New Bern, North Carolina
New Bern is one of the oldest towns in the South, founded in 1710 by Swiss and Palatines (Holy Romans) immigrants. From its founding, it grew rapidly, and from 1770 to 1792, it served as the first permanent Capital of North Carolina. Today, the recreated Tryon Palace, which once served as the town’s Capitol, is a tourist attraction replete with antiques, costumed interpreters, live demonstrations of period crafts, and a 16-acre stunning garden. The town also hosts the North Carolina History Center, a 60,000-foot complex featuring artifacts about regional history alongside a Pepsi Family Center and Duffy Exhibit Gallery.
Notably, New Bern is also renowned as the Birthplace of Pepsi, so while visiting, head to the Pepsi store where Davis Bradham first developed the cola. For some fun and outdoor scenery, head to Union Point Park, featuring a fishing pier, boat launches, a gazebo, and a boardwalk, among other amazing facilities.
Williamsburg, Virginia
Williamsburg is an incredibly history town dating to the 1600s. It is one of the oldest towns in the country, founded by English settlers in 1632 and first known as Middle Plantation. In 1699, after a conflict that led to the burning of Jamestown, Middle Plantation became the capital of Virginia and was named Williamsburg in honor of King William III of England. Hundreds of years later, the town still preserves its history at Colonial Williamsburg, a living history museum replete with recreated buildings from the 17th, 18th, and 19th centuries. Williamsburg also hosts Virginia's first Capitol building, Bruton Parish Church (one of the oldest functional churches in the US), and Governor’s Palace (first built in 1706), among others. The town is basically a hub of history, although it also hosts other attractions like the Williamsburg Winery (one of the largest in the state) and the Movie Tavern (a cinema and restaurant).
Jamestown, Virginia
Jamestown is a historic town along the banks of its namesake river, founded in 1607 as the first permanent English settlement in North America. From this settlement, the English would go on to compete with the Spanish and other Europeans for a share of the New World. Unfortunately, the town no longer exists, but the site remains an incredibly historic place lavish with attractions for tourists to explore.
The 104-foot-tall Tercentennial Monument is one such attraction here representing a replica of the Washington Monument. The 1907 Memorial Church and 17th-century Church Tower are also historic attractions on the site worth exploring. The site also hosts a recreated fort depicting life in the original James Fort, built in 1907 to protect the English settlers who had been attacked by Powhatan Native Americans shortly after they settled in the area. After exploring the site, kick back at the Dale House Café to enjoy a tasty lunch with views of the James River.
St. Marys, Georgia
St. Marys is a charming town along its namesake river, first explored and settled by Spanish explorers in 1566, making it the second-oldest European settlement in the United States. The town, however, was established in 1789 and incorporated in 1802. While visiting the town today, walk through the historic district to see and explore buildings from the 18th century. Next, visit the massive St. Marys Submarine Museum on the waterfront to see interactive submarine equipment and World War II artifacts. Afterward, take a short ferry to Cumberland Island to see the Dungeness Ruins (1884) and Plum Orchard Mansion (1898), both owned by the Carnegie family.
St. Augustine, Florida
St. Augustine is the undisputed oldest continuously inhabited settlement established by Europeans in the contiguous United States. The town was founded as early as 1565 by Spanish explorer Pedro Menendez, and it served as the capital of Spanish Florida for hundreds of years. Today, St. Augustine radiates historic charms, especially as it hosts attractions like the 17th-century Castillo de San Marcos, which is the oldest masonry fort in the US. The Medieval Torture Museum is another interesting attraction in town where one can learn more about medieval times through interactive exhibits and artifacts. More history awaits at St. Augustine Lighthouse and Maritime Museum, as well as great views of the Atlantic Ocean. For some adventures, St. Augustine invites visitors to Anastasia State Park to relax on a beach or swim, kayak, sunbathe, fish, and surf in the waters.
In the 16th century, an increasing number of Europeans from different countries started a race to colonize the North American continent. From Spain, Switzerland, England, and other European countries, they traveled en route to the New World. Naturally, due to their traveling directions, the Southern part of the huge land welcomed them. Most established settlements in this part of the land before expanding westward. This is why, today, the Southern United States remains the most historic part of the country and hosts its oldest towns. Visit these historic towns today to step back in time to the origins of what the world now knows as the United States of America.
