7 of the Most Unique Towns in Mississippi

The state of Mississippi has a great deal to offer the curious traveler on the lookout for unique destinations and experiences. Located in the USA’s Southeastern region, the “Magnolia State” (so named for its prolific official flower) is bordered on the east by Alabama, Tennessee to the north, and the Gulf of Mexico to the south, a geographic location that ensures warm weather year-round.

Celebrated as much for its traditions as it is for its role in US history, the state of Mississippi just so happens to be dotted with numerous quaint towns that each tell a unique story. From the well-preserved antebellum charm of Natchez to the literary heritage of Oxford, the state is a mosaic of fascinating communities that each adds to the rich culture of the American South. Find out more with this list of the most unique Mississippi Towns to include on your travel itinerary.

Natchez

With a population of just over 15,000 residents, Natchez is set on high bluffs overlooking the mighty Mississippi River. First settled by the French in 1716 and later by the English, it draws its name from the native Natchez Indians who originally lived here.

The town’s former colonial status is everywhere evident, as are the architectural influences of the South’s early 19th-century Antebellum period. Today, Natchez stands as a living museum, its unique claim to fame being the fact that it’s home to more preserved Antebellum structures than any other destination in the USA. In addition to its well-preserved plantations, you can also visit the burial mounds at the nearby Grand Village of the Natchez Indians.

Vicksburg

Thanks to its strategic position on a bend of the Mississippi River, Vicksburg has played a significant role in shaping the history of the South. Founded as an outpost in 1719 by French colonists and now home to roughly 22,000 residents, reminders of Vicksburg’s storied past are everywhere.

A must-visit for history buffs is the Vicksburg National Military Park. Set in a heavily treed green space on the eastern outskirts of the town, this sprawling park commemorates the 47-day siege fought in 1863 that played a pivotal role in the outcome of the Civil War. Covering an area of over 1800 acres, the park can be explored on foot or by car, with free maps available from the visitors center.

Ocean Springs

Pay a visit to Ocean Springs and you’ll agree that it’s as romantic a place to visit as it sounds. With its panoramic views over Biloxi Bay, there’s certainly no denying the fact that Ocean Spring’s population of around 17,000 people live in one of the Most pleasing settings in the state.

Established as an outpost by French explorers in 1699 and the state’s first European settlement, evidence of Ocean Springs’ rich history is evident in everything from its well-preserved old architecture to places such as Fort Maurepas City Park and Nature Preserve. Named after the original French fort, it’s a fun place to visit with great views over the water.

Greenwood

Set in the heart of Mississippi 100 miles north of the state capital of Jackson, the small town of Greenwood has earned itself a solid reputation as a hotbed of musical talent. The final resting place of legendary blues musician Robert Johnson, Greenwood continues to attract fans and researchers alike, drawn here to visit his gravesite and travel the Mississippi Blues Trail.

The town’s strategic location at the junction of two major Mississippi River tributaries, the Yalobusha and Tallahatchie Rivers, also made it an important cotton growing and distribution center.

Woodville

A small town with fewer than 1,000 residents, Woodville has the unique distinction of being home to Mississippi's first railroad and one of the first standard gauge railroads in the USA. Visit downtown Woodville today and you can still see one of the country’s oldest still-standing railroad buildings, an office built in 1834 for the former West Feliciana Railroad.

Be sure to visit as it’s now home to the Wilkinson County Museum which features plenty of exhibits relating to the building’s history, as well as that of the local community. Other unique Woodville claims to fame include The Woodville Republican, a local newspaper that’s been around since 1879 and is reputedly the oldest still-operating business in the state. Nearby, the Clark Creek Natural Area offers a lush retreat with numerous picturesque waterfalls.

Bay St. Louis

A pretty coastal community of around 14,000 inhabitants, Bay St. Louis has the distinction of being one of Mississippi’s best beach towns. A unique mix of sandy beaches and old-town charm, it was severely impacted by Hurricane Katrina in 2005 but has since reclaimed its title as one of the best places to visit in Mississippi for those who enjoy a quaint, quiet, seaside experience.

Pay a visit today and you’ll wander streets lined with art galleries, antique stores, and waterfront cafés, most within easy reach of the town’s beaches just steps away.

Oxford

Named after the famed university city in England, Oxford, Mississippi, is home to around 25,000 residents. Like its namesake, this Oxford is also synonymous with literary and academic achievements. Here you’ll find the University of Mississippi, founded in 1844 with a humble 80 or so students and now boasting a student body almost as large as the city’s population.

Affectionately known as “Ole Miss,” the university undeniably gives the town a youthful energy. Wander the town's heart, the Square, and you’ll find it bustling with shoppers browsing boutiques and bookshops, as well as revellers enjoying its bars and eateries. The town’s best-known literary connection comes from its having been the hometown of author William Faulkner. His former home, the majestic Rowan Oak, can (and should) be toured.

The Final Say

Boasting old colonial communities founded by French settlers and historic locales that featured predominantly in the American Civil War, small-town Mississippi is just waiting to be explored. From the blues roots of Greenwood to the coastal charm of places like Bay St. Louis and Ocean Springs, use this list of the most unique Mississippi Towns to inspire you as you plan and research your next Southern USA vacation.