These Historic Towns in Mississippi Are Worth Exploring
First settled by the French in 1716, Mississippi is a southern state steeped in rich history, from the Civil War to blues music. Mississippi, which is dubbed "The Magnolia State," is filled with historic towns brimming with southern charm and hospitality. Whether situated on the Mississippi River or the Gulf Of Mexico, the state's history-laden towns are warm, welcoming, and exciting places worth exploring for a weekend getaway or a week-long vacation.
Natchez
Set on the banks of the Mississippi River, the quintessential small southern town of Natchez was named after the Native American tribe that once lived in the area. The town is steeped in history and charm, from its antebellum homes featuring wide, welcoming porches to its abundance of live oak trees dripping with Spanish moss. Natchez is situated on part of the Gold Record Road on the Americana Music Triangle, which celebrates blues music and its roots. Visitors can explore the town's role in the Civil War at Fort McPherson, a large earthwork that accommodated 5,000 troops, as well as Natchez City Cemetery. The Natchez Museum of African American History and Culture is the ideal place to spend a morning or afternoon, as is the Rhythm Night Club Museum. If you plan to visit in the fall, the town plays host to the Natchez Biscuit Festival every September and the Great Mississippi River Balloon Race each October.
Ocean Springs
A coastal town situated on the Gulf of Mexico, Ocean Springs is as beautiful as it is historic. Known for its collection of locally owned shops, boutiques, and charming art galleries, Ocean Springs has a relaxed beach vibe that draws in visitors from all over. Both nature and history lovers will appreciate a trip to Fort Maurepas State Park, the site of the first French settlement. The park features an informative museum, hiking trails, and a playground and splash pad for kids. The Mississippi Vietnam Veterans Memorial is another must-see attraction, along with the Mary C. O'Keefe Cultural Arts Center. The historic Ocean Springs L&N Depot, which is located in the town's charming downtown district, now houses a shop dedicated to the artwork of Walter Anderson.
Cleveland
A small town in the Mississippi Delta region of the state, Cleveland celebrates everything that makes it unique. From blues music to innovative restaurants serving traditional Southern cuisine in historic buildings, visitors will find it all in this welcoming town. Cleveland is home to the Grammy Museum Mississippi, which showcases the state's musical heritage, as well as the overall cultural significance of American music. The Martin and Sue King Railroad Heritage Museum features several exhibits depicting the history of railroads in the Mississippi Delta and offers several hands-on activities for kids. The Mississippi Delta Chinese Heritage Museum and the Bologna Performing Arts Center are other must-see attractions.
Vicksburg
History buffs will feel right at home in Vicksburg, which has a substantial Civil War background. In addition, the scenic town also has several antebellum Greek Revival, Victorian, and Italianate homes on display. The southern town's claim to fame is the expansive Vicksburg National Military Park, an impressively preserved Civil War battlefield featuring the USS Cairo military ship. Visitors can also pay their respects to veterans at the nearby Vicksburg National Cemetary and Cedar Hill Cemetary. The town's Old Depot Museum showcases a large diorama of the Siege of Vicksburg, while the Jesse Brent Lower Mississippi River Museum explores other local history.
Corinth
Originally named Cross City as it's situated at the cross-junction of two critical railroads, charming Corinth is another historic town worth exploring. History buffs will rejoice in pretty Corinth, which was the site of a few critical Civil War battles. The perfect place to start your visit is the Corinth Civil War Interpretive Center, which features detailed exhibits about the Battle of Shiloh and the Siege and Batte of Corinth. If you want to get outside, Crossroads Regional Park offers a mile-long paved trail, as well as a playground and picnic pavilion for an al fresco lunch. Visitors won't want to miss a trip to Borroum's Drug Store and Soda Fountain, which dates back to 1865.
Canton
Although it's located only about a half-hour from the bustling city of Jackson, quaint Canton encourages visitors to slow down and enjoy a slower pace. The town has more than its fair share of visually pleasing historic homes and buildings, such as the Greek Revival-style Madison County Courthouse. History lovers can meander the Canton Courthouse Square District, which was placed on the National Register of Historic Places and is where the famous Canton Flea Market Arts and Crafts Show takes place two times a year. Other notable attractions are the Multicultural Center and Museum, the Canton Museum of History, and the Canton Movie Museums.
Tupelo
Best known as the birthplace of Elvis Presley, Tupelo is a must-see destination for both history and music lovers. Start your visit with a tour of the King of Rock 'n Roll's childhood home, as well as the church he attended during his formative years. Quaint Tupelo is also filled with Civil War sites and attractions, such as Mississippi's Final Stand Civil War Center and the Old Town Creek Battle Site, which is the location of the Battle of Tupelo/Harrisburg. The Tupelo National Battlefield Site commemorates the last significant engagement of the Civil War and features a canon used in the war. Tupelo is also situated on both the Natchez Trace Parkway and the Civil Rights Heritage Trail and is home to several significant markers.
Discover Mississippi's Historical Charm
If you're looking for a state in which to explore the country's rich and varied history any time of the year, you can't go wrong with Mississippi. Dripping with sweet southern charm and featuring an abundance of interesting historical sites, the state's charming small towns make great starting points for historical explorations, and many are worth spending a day, week, or even more in. Not only will you find them hospitable, but they'll also treat you to one-of-a-kind attractions, trails, eateries, and boutiques.
