7 Oldest Founded Small Towns to Visit in Mid-South in 2024
The Mid-South is an informal (as in “unofficial”) region of the United States that primarily spans parts of Tennessee, Mississippi, Arkansas, Missouri, Oklahoma, Illinois, and Kentucky. This scenic region is rich in culture and history, with Memphis, TN, serving as its anchor. Consequently, it is well-known for its significant contributions to American music, civil rights history, and famous Southern hospitality.
The Mid-South's historical relevance can be traced back to early American settlements and Native American civilizations. Its mix of vibrant cities and charming small towns bear evidence of the country’s fascinating past. This region has much to offer, from the birthplace of blues and rock 'n' roll to sobering Civil War memorials and battlefields. Natural points of interest like the mighty Mississippi River and the beautiful Ozark Mountains also add to its charm. These seven oldest-founded small towns to visit in the Mid-South provide a fascinating glimpse into the past.
Jonesborough, Tennessee
Jonesborough has the distinction of being the oldest town in Tennessee. Founded in 1779 as the seat of Washington County, this picturesque small town holds significant historical importance for its role in the early frontier as a hub during westward expansion. This important past is evident everywhere in the town’s well-preserved historic district, which includes buildings dating back to the late 18th and early 19th centuries. The best places to start exploring are the Historic Jonesborough Visitors Center and Old Towne Emporium, where one can pick up a handy self-guided tour map along with tips and tactics from helpful staff.
They’ll no doubt tell you to cross the street to visit the Old Jonesborough Cemetery, the final resting place of many former townsfolk. For more information, tours of the cemetery are available, with well-informed guides and trading tales of famous Americans who have visited the town, including Andrew Jackson and David Crockett. Speaking of telling tales, be sure to visit the International Storytelling Center, which hosts the annual October National Storytelling Festival and draws visitors from around the world. If this isn’t enough, the Chester Inn Museum is also worth visiting and offers insights into the town's history, showcasing artifacts and exhibits from its founding days.
Natchez, Mississippi
The town of Natchez, Mississippi, stands at the opposite end of the Mid-South yet is connected to Tennessee by the 444-mile-long Natchez Trace Parkway. Set on the mighty Mississippi River, Natchez was founded in 1716 and is one of the oldest European settlements in the Lower Mississippi Valley. Known for its antebellum architecture and rich cultural heritage, Natchez played a pivotal role in the cotton trade, and as a major port city, its strategic riverside setting made it a bustling place of commerce and a focal point for historical events, including the Civil War.
Must-visit attractions in Natchez include magnificent Longwood, an octagonal antebellum mansion, and Stanton Hall, a beautifully preserved Greek Revival home, both of which are open to the public for tours. The Natchez National Historical Park preserves several key sites, including the Melrose Estate and William Johnson House. At the same time, Historic Downtown Natchez boasts a mix of quaint shops, restaurants, and museums, all set against the backdrop of the scenic Mississippi River. The town's annual Spring Pilgrimage, showcasing historic homes not usually open to the public, draws thousands of visitors each year (a Fall Pilgrimage has also been added to satisfy demand for this popular event).
Washington, Arkansas
Settled in 1824, Washington, Arkansas, rose to importance as a stop on the Southwest Trail, a pioneer route used by Texas-bound settlers. It also served as the Confederate capital of Arkansas during the Civil War after Little Rock fell to Union forces, with many of its most important buildings dating from this period of history. Today, the town’s past is preserved as Historic Washington State Park, a 101-acre preserved village offering a fascinating living history experience with numerous restored buildings, museums, and period artifacts.
Highlights of a visit to the park include the 1836 Hempstead County Courthouse, with its exhibits about the town's role in Arkansas's statehood, and the Old Washington Blacksmith Shop, where live demonstrations of traditional crafts are performed. Also worth seeing are the 1835 Royston Log House and the 1914 Washington School House, which add to the realistic depiction of frontier life.
Ste. Genevieve, Missouri
Ste. Genevieve was founded in 1735 and is the oldest permanent European settlement in Missouri. Located on the west bank of the Mississippi River, it was initially established as a French colonial village and grew over time into a major center for trade and agriculture during the colonial period. A visit today reveals several surviving examples of French Creole architecture from this period, including the Felix Valle House State Historic Site—this must-see attraction in Ste. Genevieve is home to the historic Felix Vallé House and other buildings from the early 1800s.
Bolduc House Museum is also noteworthy. Built around 1780 in the unique French Canadian vertical log style and one of the oldest houses in town, it contains fascinating exhibits and artifacts related to the town's first settlers. Ste. Genevieve National Historical Park, established in 2020, is a recent addition to the town that further highlights its historical significance with a collection of historic buildings.
Bardstown, Kentucky
Known as the “Bourbon Capital of the World," Bardstown, Kentucky, was settled in 1780 and is one of the oldest and prettiest historic towns in the Bluegrass State. You can get a real sense of this with a fun stroll around the Bardstown Historic District. Start at Court Square and the lovely 1892 County Courthouse before checking out the Old Talbott Tavern, a still-operating inn, restaurant, and bourbon bar dating from 1779. Just a little further up the street is the photo-worthy Basilica of St. Joseph Proto-Cathedral, completed in 1823 and an important catholic religious site.
The town is also home to the famous My Old Kentucky Home State Park, featuring the Federal Hill mansion, which inspired Stephen Foster's song, My Old Kentucky Home, and one of the best estate gardens in the Mid-South. If possible, try to time a visit to coincide with the Kentucky Bourbon Festival held each September and celebrate the town's deep connections to bourbon distilling. Additionally, several nearby distilleries offer tours and tastings, including the renowned Heaven Hill and Maker's Mark.
Columbia, Tennessee
Columbia, TN, was founded in 1807 and became an important center for the mule trade in the 19th century, earning it the nickname of "Mule Capital of the World." This vital legacy is celebrated with the annual Mule Day each spring, a fun four-day event that’s been going since 1840 and draws crowds of 200,000 visitors to participate in concerts, dancing, local crafts, as well as traditional Appalachian food.
Whatever time of year you visit, be sure to include the President James K. Polk Home and Museum on your Columbia itinerary. The only surviving residence of the 11th U.S. President, this elegant home was built in 1816 and provides an excellent overview of the man’s life and times. The historic Athenaeum Rectory is also great to visit and offers tours and events related to the town's history, while the Columbia Arts District features galleries, shops, and restaurants set in historic buildings.
Paducah, Kentucky
In Kentucky, Paducah is a rustic town incorporated in 1817 at the Ohio and Tennessee Rivers confluence. It quickly became a significant river trade and transportation hub and played a vital role in developing the Mid-South. Visit today, and it’s evident that Paducah is now a popular tourist destination, with attractions like the National Quilt Museum, a celebration of the art of quilting with exhibits and educational programs.
Exploring the historic downtown area is another must-do. It features well-preserved buildings, shops, and restaurants, as well as the Paducah Wall-to-Wall Murals, depicting the town's history along the floodwall. The Inland Waterways Museum is also fun to explore and offers interactive exhibits about the rivers' impact on the town's development. Finally, Paducah's Lower Town Arts District is a vibrant area with galleries, studios, and cultural events.
The Final Word
The Mid-South is steeped in history, with each small town offering a unique glimpse into the past. From the early frontier days of Jonesborough and the antebellum splendor of Natchez to the French colonial heritage of Ste. Genevieve and the bourbon traditions of Bardstown, these towns provide a fascinating portrait of the region’s people and places. Visiting these historic towns allows travelers to explore well-preserved historic sites, enjoy scenic landscapes, experience local traditions, and discover parts of the country they may otherwise not be familiar with. Whatever your interests, you’ll find inspiration with these seven oldest-founded small towns to visit in the Mid-South USA.
