8 Towns In Mississippi That Transport You To The Past
Mississippi is a keeper of times gone by in its landscapes, architecture, and small-town charm. For those who like getting away from today's world, visualize walking on cobblestone pathways, touring stately antebellum homes, or learning about the area's integral part in the Civil War and the birthplace of the blues. All small towns in Mississippi, from Natchez' gabled mansions to Clarksdale's soulful blues heritage, blend history in photogenic beauty. Each of these places invites you to step back in time and relive some of the stories that shaped Mississippi's culture and heritage.
Natchez
Sitting atop the Mississippi River, Natchez is famous for its antebellum architecture and historical value. There are more than 1,000 buildings within the town that feature on the National Register of Historic Places. Other highlights include the incomplete, octagonal Longwood Mansion, the pre-Civil War interpretation provided by Rosalie Mansion, and Stanton Hall, a beautiful example of Greek Revival homes. Scenic views, hiking, and the historic connection to this town's interesting past are all provided via the Natchez Trace Parkway. Downtown Natchez has brick streets and period storefronts, beckoning one to stroll among the antique shops and local museums. For a closer look into history, take in the illuminating displays at the Natchez Museum of African American History and Culture.
Vicksburg
In Vicksburg, one of the most pivotal moments of the Civil War took place, an event remembered in the Vicksburg National Military Park. Old Court House Museum features many relics from those times, including Confederate souvenirs. Visitors can also take a tour of the USS Cairo Museum, which has a restored Civil War ironclad gunboat. The self-guided walking tour of the historic downtown puts in view turn-of-the-19th-century architecture with specialty shops and galleries. Anchuca Mansion, one of the earliest examples of Greek Revival architecture in the area, gives tours and provides visitors with an inside look at life antebellum. The Yazoo Riverfront is lined with murals showing the history of the town, making it a great backdrop for strolling to explore the area's storied past.
Oxford
Home to the University of Mississippi, Oxford exudes a blend of academic vibrancy and historic charm. The town square, known as "The Square," is surrounded by historic buildings housing boutiques, bookstores, and art galleries. The former home of author William Faulkner, Rowan Oak, is open to give visitors a view into the literary past. The University's Lyceum is one of the oldest structures on campus, dating to 1848, a reminder of the town's enduring legacy. Further out, Cedar Oaks Mansion is another antebellum home that is well-preserved and open for tours. Oxford also has the L.Q.C. Lamar House Museum, which gives visitors insight into the life and contributions of this historical figure.
Columbus
Columbus has reason to boast about several antebellum houses and historic districts. One attraction that should not be passed up is the Tennessee Williams Home and Welcome Center, where one of the most revered American playwrights was born. The Spring Pilgrimage every year showcases historic homes and gardens of the town such as the stately Whitehall and Temple Heights mansions. Friendship Cemetery, said to be the site of the first-ever observance of Memorial Day, is a grave yet stunning landmark. Other local history and architecture may also be explored at Columbus's Stephen D. Lee Home and Museum. The Columbus Riverwalk is serene in setting, winding through sections laden with historic significance.
Greenville
Located in the Mississippi Delta, Greenville has been imbued with a great deal of blues history. Historic downtown Greenville tells stories of the past with its historic storefronts and the 1927 Flood Museum, which puts in perspective the disastrous flood that helped shape the area. Other attractions include the E.E.Bass Cultural Arts Center, which has taken residence in a historic school building. The Greenville History Museum gives more context to the evolution of the town over time. Lake Ferguson, only a few miles from downtown, presents a pretty location, which is related to the history of the riverine trade in this area.
Clarksdale
Clarksdale refers to itself as the "Home of the Blues." Indeed, the city does have deep musical roots. The Delta Blues Museum contains exhibits related to many of the Blues legends. The historic downtown includes the New Roxy Theater and Cat Head Delta Blues & Folk Art, a store and cultural center dedicated to the genre. Hopson Plantation, not far away, once hosted traveling musicians. It encompasses the agricultural history of the region and retains remnants of the enslaved that once worked its fields. Other things to do and see include the Blues Alley, which connects several historical buildings, and the Riverside Hotel, where famous blues performers stayed.
Laurel
Early 20th-century architecture dots Laurel's historic district. Mississippi's oldest art museum, the Lauren Rogers Museum of Art, is a neoclassical building. Oak-lined streets and beautifully restored homes are just some of the ways this Southern town showcases its history, while Landrum's Homestead & Village offers a living history of the late 1800s. It features some of the most beautifully restored Craftsman-style homes and buildings, including the iconic City Hall. Mason Park has a historic bandstand and serves as a gathering place in the community that brings this town's history alive. Also, visit Scotsman General Store & Woodshop, a highly rated store that carries clothes, trinkets and more.
Bay St. Louis
The historic charm of this Gulf Coast town combines with a dash of artistic flair. Historic Old Town Bay St. Louis features galleries and shops in stunningly restored historic buildings. The Alice Moseley Folk Art and Antique Museum pays homage to local art and history. Bay St. Louis Beach, located near the city, with its quiet views and historical linkage, makes it one of the pretty towns. St. Rose de Lima Catholic Church, with its historic murals and architecture, is yet another place to visit. Moreover, the L&N Train Depot has been transformed into a museum that tells the history of the town and its relation to regional railroads.
These towns are not simple names on the map but live history books, with every single one of them bearing a tale of its own to tell. Be it Natchez's imposing antebellum mansions, the battlefields with solemn silence in Vicksburg, or Clarksdale with soul-stirring tunes, every one of these places smothered you in the immensely rich heritage of Mississippi. From scenic beauty and historical monuments to authentic cultural experiences, these towns call for any history enthusiast and every inquisitive traveler alike. So, pack your bags and step into the past—Mississippi’s historic gems await.
