7 Mississippi Towns That Rival Europe's Best
An important center of the American Deep South, Mississippi, or the Magnolia State, has long attracted visitors with its stunning natural beauty, intriguing historic ambiance, and special Southern character. Admitted to the Union in 1817, Mississippi's over 200 years of history have naturally drawn comparisons to the Old World, namely Europe, and there are a number of wonderful towns here that rival some of the continent’s best. From river communities, pre-Civil War towns, and University campuses, Mississippi is the home to many charming and fascinating places that offer just as much fun and intrigue centers in Europe. So come visit the American South through a voyage of the Magnolia State and come see what makes it such a pretty and alluring destination that all ages can appreciate!
Oxford
Named after one of Europe's most famed British cities, Oxford is a culturally delightful and naturally splendid place. Founded in the 1830s, today, this seat of Lafayette County boasts a moderate population of just over 25,000 residents and, like its English counterpart, is also widely known as a college town. Home of the University of Mississippi (1844), or “Ole Miss,” there is never a shortage of cultural and historic allure to enjoy when in Oxford. Spend informative afternoons at the University of Mississippi Museum and the Southside Art Gallery while strolling through Oxford’s historic center brings guests directly back to the 19th century.
Featuring numerous landmarks included on the National Register of Historic Places, amongst the sites of note are the County Courthouse (1872), the Rowan Oak Mansion (1844), and St. Peter’s Episcopal Church (1860), to name but a few. Add in great scenic backdrops that include forested hills and red clay bluffs, and it is easy to see what makes this American city seem European.
Woodville
The seat of Wilkinson County near the border with Louisiana, Woodville, is a historic community that is actually older than the State of Mississippi itself. Founded back in 1811 (some 6 years before Statehood), Woodville’s historic allure sets it apart from many communities in Mississippi and naturally draws comparisons to the history-rich Europe. Home to a humble population of under 1,000 inhabitants, there are plenty of fascinating museum stops here that bring the town’s history to life. These include the Wilkinson County Museum and the African American Museum, which highlight centuries of social and economic change in the American South. From there, be sure to explore the Main Street Historic District and the special Rosemont Plantation Mansion, which creates a living history experience that is sure to fascinate the young and old.
Finally, Woodville has plenty of natural beauty to enjoy, and with a hot climate, it becomes an ideal vacation destination. Visit the Clark Creek Natural Area (spanning 700 acres) and take advantage of scenic opportunities to go cycling, hiking, and birdwatching while charming little waterfalls fill out the natural landscape.
Natchez
For those looking for European-style history in the American South, Natchez is the place to be! The oldest colonial settlement in Mississippi, the town was founded by the French way back in 1716, and today, just over 14,500 call it home. Picturesquely located along the famed Mississippi River and near the border with Louisiana, Natchez serves as the seat of Adama County, and it features a very hot and humid climate, making it ideal for enjoying an outdoor adventure. Spend time along the River, where boating and swimming are always popular, while surrounding cycling and hiking trails add to the charming and photogenic ambiance.
Naturally, as Mississippi’s oldest town, Natchez has loads of history to discover. Visit such attractions as the Selma Plantation (1811), the First Presbyterian Church (1830), and even the Grand Village of the Natchez, which explores the life of Indigenous peoples in the area before European contact. Add in fascinating museum sites like the Museum of African American History and Culture and loads of antebellum-style architecture, and Natchez truly stands as one of the most alluring places in the Magnolia State.
Corinth
Seat of Alcorn County along the border with Tennessee, the historic rail town of Corinth, was founded in the 1850s and named for the famous city in Greece. Home to a modest population of just under 15,000 residents, history and beautiful scenery come together in this community, which definitely creates a European ambiance. Visit the Midtown Corinth Historic District and its assortment of 19th-century landmarks, many of which are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
These include the Taylor House and the Oak Home, amongst others associated with the Civil War. And do not forget about the Corinth National Cemetery (1866), which serves as the final resting place of more than 5,000. From there, explore the Crossroads Museum and learn more about the town's historic growth and place in Mississippi's history.
Finally, the outdoors lover will surely appreciate Corinth and its hot and humid climate. Scenically situated within the Mississippi Hills National Heritage Area, there are always opportunities to enjoy activities such as camping, biking, hiking, and picnicking. And with a number of inviting and charming little streams, including Phillips and Bridge, a chance to unwind and relax is never far away.
Greenville
Greenville lies within the Mississippi Delta, and it ranks as the ninth most populous town in the State, with just under 30,000 inhabitants. The seat of Washington County, Greenville, was formally established in the 1870s, though its area had existed for many decades as a prominent cotton production center, particularly in the lead-up to the Civil War. Featuring a hot and humid climate typical of the South, visitors can enjoy time spent near the Rivers swimming and boating, while popular activities in the town's green spaces include cycling, hiking, and picnicking.
For those looking for European-style history and attractions, Greenville has it, too. Explore the Cotton Row District and a number of nearby historic landmarks, like the First National Bank Building and the Mount Holly Plantation (1855), which are also listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Furthermore, at the celebrated Nelson Street, discover what was once the epicenter of African American business and music and see a few 1940s-inspired music clubs.
Aberdeen
A historically significant port town, Aberdeen was founded in the 1830s and was a prominent center of cotton production through much of the 19th century. Today, this seat of Monroe County, along the Tombigbee River, is home to just under 5,000 people, and its historic character continues to shine through. With upwards of 200 historic buildings from the 1800s, there is a definite feeling of time travel when exploring Aberdeen. Hop on to the Architectural Driving Tour that highlights designs like Victorian, Neo-Classical, and Gothic, and see landmarks on the National Register of Historic Places like the Magnolias Mansion (1850) and other antebellum plantations.
Furthermore, with a typically hot Southern climate, enjoying the outdoors is not difficult in Aberdeen. Spend time near the River and the nearby Aberdeen Lake, where activities like swimming, boating, biking, hiking, and picnicking are true delights for any age, creating a European style old world feeling.
Rolling Fork
Rolling Fork was settled back in the 1820s, though it was long the home of Indigenous peoples. Today, a humble population of just under 2,000 reside here, and it serves as the seat of Sharkey County within the scenic Mississippi Delta. Discover the town’s historic character firsthand and explore a number of landmarks on the National Register of Historic Places, including the County Courthouse (1876) and the Mont Helena Mansion (1896), and get a European-style flavor of the 19th century.
With its setting in the Mississippi Delta, it offers plenty of natural beauty, including vast cotton and corn fields. Add in a hot southern climate and fun annual events like the Deep Delta Blues and Heritage Festival and the Great Delta Bear Affair, and a wonderful sense of community will be experienced, sure to please the young and old alike.
Mississippi is an undoubted gen of the famed American South, and for a holiday that is filled with fascinating history, natural beauty, and loads of cultural charm, there is no better place than the Magnolia State. For those who are looking for a vacation with European-style elements in the United States, then a number of smaller towns in Mississippi will certainly please, each with unique stories and attractions. From the historic centers of Woodville and Natchez to the college ambiance of Oxford, these Mississippi towns delight all ages and stand out as veritable old-fashioned treasures. Whether it is admiring historic landmarks or spending time along splendid bodies of water, these communities definitely rival some of Europe's best and stand out as among the most inviting and diverse towns.
