10 Must-Visit Historic Towns in Mississippi

From its early indigenous cultures to European settlement and its role in pivotal moments like the Civil War and the Civil Rights Movement, the Magnolia State has been at the heart of American history. Known for its Delta blues, rich literary tradition, and Southern hospitality, Mississippi offers visitors a unique mix of historical and cultural experiences. People travel here to walk through preserved battlefields, admire antebellum architecture, and explore museums that tell the stories of those who shaped the region.

Mississippi is also home to historic towns that embody the past in a way that few places can. These towns, some dating back to the 18th and early 19th centuries, have retained their character through preserved homes, town squares, and sites of historical significance. Each town offers a unique glimpse into Mississippi’s past, which makes them must-visit destinations for history lovers.

Established in 1716 as Fort Rosalie, Natchez is the oldest continuous settlement on the Mississippi River. This historic city is famous for its cultural heritage and well-preserved architecture. You can explore over 1,000 structures listed on the National Register of Historic Places, including antebellum mansions like Stanton Hall and Rosalie Mansion.
The Natchez National Historical Park encompasses sites such as Melrose, a grand estate reflecting pre-Civil War life, and the William Johnson House, home of a free African American diarist.

For a deeper understanding of the region’s indigenous history, the Grand Village of the Natchez Indians offers insights into the area’s original inhabitants.

2. Port Gibson

Port Gibson, a quiet Mississippi town with deep historical roots, carries the weight of both beauty and conflict. Founded in 1729 by French settlers, it became a strategic location during the Civil War. Union General Ulysses S. Grant marched through in 1863, declaring it “too beautiful to burn.” That phrase still defines the town, where antebellum homes and churches remain standing, whispering stories of the past.

One of its most hauntingly beautiful sites is Windsor Ruins. Once a grand plantation home, only towering columns remain, wrapped in vines and mystery. The First Presbyterian Church, with its iconic golden hand pointing skyward, is another landmark that draws visitors. Just outside town, Grand Gulf Military Park preserves the memory of Civil War battles with cannons and a preserved earthwork fort.

3. Woodville

Nestled in Mississippi’s southwestern corner, Woodville was founded in 1811. Its roots trace back to the early 19th century, with its incorporation in 1811. The town’s historic district, established in 1982, encompasses approximately 140 contributing buildings, predominantly from 1820 to 1930. This district offers a glimpse into the town’s evolution over the centuries.

St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, built in 1823, is one of the oldest of its kind in the region, its New England-style architecture standing in quiet contrast to the Southern landscape. Not far away, Rosemont Plantation tells the story of a young Jefferson Davis, offering visitors a glimpse into his early years before he became President of the Confederacy. The town’s past is also printed on the pages of the Woodville Republican, Mississippi’s oldest continuously operating newspaper.

Founded in 1821 along the Tombigbee River, Columbus avoided the devastation that many Southern towns faced during the Civil War. While other cities burned, Columbus became a refuge, its homes turned into hospitals for the wounded. That stroke of fate left behind a stunning collection of antebellum architecture, each home with a story to tell.

One of its most famous sons, playwright Tennessee Williams, was born here. His childhood home now serves as a welcome center, its rooms echoing with memories of the South that shaped his work. Down the road, Friendship Cemetery holds a different kind of history. In 1866, local women laid flowers on both Confederate and Union graves, an act of remembrance believed to have inspired Memorial Day.

5. Raymond

This beautiful Mississippi town was established in 1829. It’s famous for its serene streets and preserved antebellum architecture.

A pivotal moment in Raymond’s history is the Battle of Raymond, fought on May 12, 1863, during the Vicksburg Campaign of the American Civil War. This confrontation saw Union forces clashing with Confederates, leading to significant casualties on both sides. The aftermath of the battle transformed local structures into makeshift hospitals, with the Hinds County Courthouse serving as a refuge for the wounded. Today, the Raymond Battlefield Park stands as a testament to this significant event, allowing visitors to walk the grounds where history was made.

The Hinds County Courthouse, constructed between 1857 and 1859, is a stunning example of Greek Revival architecture. Its walls have witnessed numerous historical events, including its role during the Civil War. Preserved to maintain its historical integrity, the courthouse remains a focal point of Raymond’s historic district.

Another notable landmark is the Peyton House, also known as Waverly. Built between 1831 and 1834 by John B. Peyton, an early settler and surveyor, this historic home offers a glimpse into the architectural styles and domestic life of the era.

Raymond’s historic town square is a hub of activity, featuring unique shops, historic buildings, and a stunning mural that captures the essence of the town’s heritage. The square provides great photo opportunities and a chance to immerse oneself in the local culture.

For those interested in exploring further, the Raymond Military Park offers walking trails with interpretive markers, guiding visitors through the events of the past. The park preserves over 100 acres of the original battlefield, providing a serene environment for reflection and education.

Perched on the bluffs overlooking the Mississippi River, Vicksburg is a city where history flows as deeply as the river itself. Founded in 1811, Vicksburg quickly became a vital port, its strategic location making it a coveted prize during the Civil War. The Siege of Vicksburg in 1863 was a turning point in the war, with Union forces laying siege for 47 days before the city surrendered, effectively splitting the Confederacy.

Today, the echoes of cannon fire have long faded, but the stories remain etched in the landscape. The Vicksburg National Military Park stands as a testament to this pivotal chapter, preserving the battlefield and over 1,400 monuments that honor those who fought. Among its treasures is the USS Cairo, an ironclad warship resurrected from the depths of the Yazoo River, offering a tangible link to the past.

Beyond the battlefield, Vicksburg’s streets are lined with antebellum homes and historic buildings, each with its own tale. The Old Court House Museum, built in 1858, houses artifacts that chronicle the city’s journey through time. Meanwhile, the Biedenharn Coca-Cola Museum celebrates the spot where Coca-Cola was first bottled in 1894.

As you stroll along the riverfront, murals vividly depict Vicksburg’s rich tapestry, from its Native American roots to its role in shaping the nation.

7. Aberdeen

Established in 1835 by Scottish settler Robert Gordon, Aberdeen quickly emerged as a significant port city along the Tombigbee River. By the mid-19th century, it was among Mississippi’s largest cities and a bustling hub for cotton trading.

Today, Aberdeen is renowned for its well-preserved antebellum architecture, with over 200 buildings listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Notable among these is The Magnolias, a grand Greek Revival mansion built in 1850 by Dr. William Sykes.

Each spring, Aberdeen celebrates its history through the Aberdeen Pilgrimage, an event that invites visitors to tour these historic homes and experience the town’s cultural legacy firsthand.

For those interested in African American history, the Aberdeen Black History Trail offers a self-guided tour highlighting significant sites and contributions of Black residents to the community.

Aberdeen’s downtown area features the West Commerce Street Historic District, showcasing a range of architectural styles from the 19th and early 20th centuries. This district reflects the town’s historical growth and economic significance during that period.

Visitors can also explore the Elkin Theatre, a historic venue that continues to serve as a cultural center for the community, hosting various events and performances throughout the year.

Founded in 1836, shortly after the Chickasaw Cession opened northern Mississippi to settlers, Holly Springs quickly became a center of commerce and education.

During the Civil War, Holly Springs played a significant role. In December 1862, Confederate General Earl Van Dorn led a raid that destroyed Union supplies stored in the city, delaying the Union’s advance toward Vicksburg.

The city is renowned for its antebellum architecture, with numerous historic homes and districts listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The annual Holly Springs Pilgrimage offers tours of these historic sites, allowing visitors to experience the city’s rich architectural heritage.

Holly Springs is also a hub for blues music enthusiasts. The city celebrates its musical heritage with events and markers dedicated to local blues legends.

For those interested in African American history, the “Behind the Big House” program provides tours of former slave dwellings, offering a comprehensive look into the lives of enslaved people and their contributions to the region’s history.

Visitors can also explore the Marshall County Historical Museum, which houses a diverse collection of artifacts and exhibits detailing the area’s past.

9. Canton

Canton, established in 1836, serves as the county seat of Madison County. Its central feature is the historic Courthouse Square, dominated by a Greek Revival courthouse built in 1855. This courthouse has been a focal point for community events and has appeared in several films, earning Canton the nickname “The Movie Capital of Mississippi.”

The city is also rich in musical heritage, particularly the blues. Notably, Elmore James, a pioneering blues guitarist, once worked in a radio repair shop on Hickory Street, an area known for its vibrant blues scene.

Canton’s commitment to preserving its diverse history is evident in attractions like the Canton Museum of History and the Multicultural Center & Museum, which offer insights into the city’s past and cultural evolution.

Named after the British university city, Oxford’s founders aspired to make it a center of learning, a vision realized with the establishment of the University of Mississippi in 1848.

The city’s historic downtown square, often referred to simply as “The Square,” serves as the cultural and economic hub. Lined with a variety of boutiques, art galleries, and restaurants, it reflects Oxford’s blend of tradition and modernity.

Oxford, which was established in 1837, is also renowned for its literary heritage. It was home to Nobel Prize-winning author William Faulkner, whose residence, Rowan Oak, is now a museum open to the public. The city continues to foster a vibrant literary community, hosting numerous events and boasting several independent bookstores.

The University of Mississippi, affectionately known as “Ole Miss,” plays a central role in the city’s identity. The campus is noted for its picturesque setting and historical significance, including its involvement in pivotal civil rights events.

Oxford’s culinary scene is another highlight, offering a range of dining experiences from traditional Southern cuisine to innovative culinary creations. The city’s commitment to the arts is evident in its numerous galleries, live music venues, and cultural festivals held throughout the year.