11 Oldest Founded Towns To Visit In The Southern United States
The Southern United States, also known as Dixie, Dixieland, or the American South, lies between the Atlantic Ocean and the Western United States. The Midwestern and Northeastern United States are located to the north, while the Gulf of Mexico and Mexico sits to the south. Historically, the Southern US included all the states south of the 18th century Mason-Dixon line, the Ohio River, and the 36°30’ line. Today, the Southern US comprises the South Atlantic States: Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Maryland, North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, and West Virginia; the East South Central States: Alabama, Kentucky, Mississippi, and Tennessee; and the West South Central States: Arkansas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, and Texas. Out of these 16 states came the 11 oldest founded towns in the Southern US. Keep reading to explore these historic towns and their impact on the Dixieland states.
St. Augustine, Florida
Spanish explorer Pedro Menéndez de Avilés founded St. Augustine in 1565. This city holds the distinction of being the oldest continuously inhabited European-established settlement in the US and served as the capital of Spanish Florida for more than 200 years. Visiting St. Augustine today, tourists can explore the well-preserved historic district or stroll along St. George Street, where shops and restaurants await. Then is also Castillo de San Marcos, which is a historic fortress dating to the 17th century. It is the oldest stone fort in the US and the only remaining example of a stone fort built during the 17th century.
St. Augustine also offers stunning beach days the St. Augustine Beach, which stretches along the North Atlantic. Other attractions include the historical square of Plaza de la Constitucion and the Colonial Quarter, a living museum that provides a glimpse into the life of Spanish inhabitants during the 1740s.
Jamestown, Virginia
The Virginia Company established Jamestown in 1607, effectively settling the first permanent English settlement in America. Jamestown played a pivotal role in the early colonization of the continent, and visitors can learn more about this at Historic Jamestowne, which is an archaeological site that offers insights into the lives of the settlers. The nearby Jamestown Settlement offers a living history experience, showcasing the Powhatan Indian village replicas of the original ships that brought the colonists. Jamestown is also home to the Tercentennial Monument, the Angela Site, and the 17th Century Church Tower, which is the last surviving above-ground building since Jamestown was first the capital of Virginia.
Charleston, South Carolina
Charleston, established as a colonial seaport, played a significant role in American history, including the Revolutionary War and Civil War. Honoring King Charles II, Charleston was founded as Charles Ton in 1670. The historic atmosphere is palpable here, especially when taking a horse-drawn carriage tour through the cobblestone streets. Visitors can take in the sights of the picturesque Battery and Waterfront Park and visit Fort Sumter, where the first shots of the Civil War were fired.
Along East Bay Street in The Battery is Rainbow Row, which is a row of brightly painted historic houses. And then there’s the Angel Oak, which is said to be the largest live oak east of the Mississippi River. It is believed that the tree is nearly 400 years old and one of the most photographed attractions in Charleston.
Mobile, Alabama
French colonists founded Mobile in 1702, and the city served as the capital of French Louisiana for a brief period. Along with celebrating its French history, Mobile is known for having the oldest Mardi Gras celebrations in the US, with the French Creole population first celebrating this festival at the beginning of the 18th century.
Today, Mobile showcases a unique blend of French, Spanish, and Creole influences. Visitors can explore the beautifully restored Dauphin Street, visit the Mobile Carnival Museum, and stick around for the latest Mardi Gras celebration. Mobile is also home to the USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park, which offers interactive exhibits, and the Mobile Museum of Art, where more than 6,000 permanent works are on display. For a day trip with a difference, there is the Gator Boardwalk that leads to a swamp filled with alligators.
Biloxi, Mississippi
Biloxi, which is located on the Gulf Coast, was also established by French colonists in 1699. It served as the capital of French Louisiana after Mobile. Because Biloxi is situated on the Gulf of Mexico, it grew a reputation for excellent seafood. Then, at the beginning of the 1990s, gambling started drawing more visitors, and today nearly a dozen casinos operate in and around Biloxi. Visitors with no interest in gambling can visit the sandy beaches or delve into the history of the Biloxi Lighthouse. Biloxi is also home to the Ohr-O’Keefe Museum of Art and Beauvoir, the post-war home of Jefferson Davis, the President of the Confederate States.
New Bern, North Carolina
Founded by Swiss and German immigrants in 1710, New Bern became the second-oldest colonial town in North Carolina. The town served as the first state capital and saw significant events take place during the American Revolution. New Bern is one of the most unique towns in the US, where visitors can explore Tryon Palace, a reconstructed colonial governor’s mansion, or stroll along the historic district’s tree-lined streets. A must-do in New Bern is a visit to the Birthplace of Pepsi, where the iconic soft drink was invented. Tourists can visit the exact spot where Pepsi was created and enjoy an old-fashioned version of the soft drink.
Natchitoches, Louisiana
Natchitoches, which is pronounced ‘nack-a-tish’, is the oldest permanent settlement in the Louisiana Purchase territory. Founded by French explorer Louis Juchereau de St. Denis in 1714, it flourished as a trading post along the Red River.
Natchitoches is known for its unique Cajun and Creole cuisine and its historical landmark district. The oldest retail store in the town, the Kaffie-Frederick General Mercantile Store, opened in 1863 during the Civil War and still offers a bit of everything today. The town is also known for being the backdrop of the movie Steel Magnolias and some of the sites like the Eatenton home and the Jefferson B&B still exist. Furthermore, visitors can attend the annual Natchitoches Christmas Festival and take in the scenic riverfront at the same time.
San Antonio, Texas
Founded by Spanish explorers and missionaries in 1718, San Antonio is one of the oldest European settlements in Texas. The city’s most famous historical landmark is the Alamo, a former Spanish mission and site of a pivotal battle during the Texas Revolution.
Today, visitors can still explore the Alamo and its newer companion, an adjacent museum. The River Walk always offers a serene day out, while the historic La Villita district allows visitors to immerse themselves in the vibrant cultural scene. Additionally, San Antonio is home to the beautiful Spanish colonial-style San Antonio Missions National Historical Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that preserves four other missions in the area.
Savannah, Georgia
Savannah, founded by General James Oglethorpe in 1733, is the oldest city in Georgia. Established as a British colony, the city played a significant role during the American Revolutionary War. Savannah’s historic district is one of the largest in the US and is well known for its immaculately-preserved 18th and 19th-century architecture. Visitors can take a stroll through the city’s squares and visit the birthplace of Juliette Gordon Low, the founder of the Girl Scouts. For the adventurous (or brave) at heart, there is the Bonaventure Cemetery to explore. This hauntingly beautiful place was made famous by the novel and film adaptation of “Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil.”
St. Marys, Georgia
Established by the English as a military outpost in 1788, St Marys is Georgia’s second oldest city. St. Marys is known as the gateway to the Cumberland Island National Seashore, which can be accessed by ferry. There are several downtown attractions to be enjoyed, along with a spectacular river view. The city offers a charming coastal experience with opportunities for boating and fishing. There is also the St. Marys Submarine Museum and the historic district with its famous oak trees to explore.
Fredericksburg, Texas
Fredericksburg showcases a unique blend of German and Texan culture due to its establishment by German settlers in 1846. The city is home to the National Museum of the Pacific War and the Enchanted Rock State Natural Area. Visitors can explore the city’s historic district, in particular the Pioneer Museum, to learn about the early settler’s struggles and achievements and sample German cuisine and local wines. Fredericksburg also highlights the incredible beauty of the Texas Hill Country, which is infamous for its excellent climate during spring and fall.
The Southern US is a treasure trove of history and towns that offer a glimpse into the past. Whether you’re a history enthusiast or just want a memorable vacation, these oldest-founded towns will no doubt help you create lasting memories.
