7 Historic Towns In Mississippi That Will Transport You To The Past
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Daniella DiRienzo
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Mississippi is filled with history; there’s no question about that. Just about every city in the state has some sort of historical significance, but there are some cities that make you feel like you’ve been transported back in time. Need proof? Check out the list below!
The town of Raymond is located along the Natchez Trace Parkway. Soon after the formation of Hinds County in the early 1800’s, the town of Raymond became the county seat. Turning into quite the prosperous little city, Raymond served as a trading community for farmers and played an important role in both government and economics. Visitors to the quaint town can visit the historic square, the Hinds County Courthouse, numerous preserved antebellum buildings, a Confederate cemetery, and Raymond Military Park, the site of the Battle of Raymond.
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Located in Copiah County, the small town of Crystal Springs is known for two things: Blues and tomatoes. Yep, you read that right. Once referred to as the "Tomatopolis of the World," Crystal Springs’ annual Tomato Festival brings visitors from near and far. Not a fan of tomatoes? That’s alright; the town is also home to the Robert Johnson Blues Museum and filled with rich history and architecture of yesteryear.
One of the most historic cities in the state, Columbus boasts nearly 700 nationally significant properties as well as one of the largest collections of antebellum homes in the state, coming in second only to Natchez. The city also has deep literary ties as it is the birthplace of renowned playwright Tennessee Williams.
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By far one of the most historic cities in the nation, Vicksburg is a must-see for the young and old alike. While modern Vicksburg was established in 1811, the city actually dates back to Colonial times when the French built Fort Saint-Pierre nearby. Today, the city’s history is very much alive thanks in part to the Vicksburg National Military Park. The park offers a 16-mile tour that stops at forts, batteries, attack sites, historic structures, the Vicksburg National Cemetery, and the U.S.S. Cairo Museum. With more than one thousand monuments and thousands of grave markers, one of the nation’s largest battles can be experienced firsthand.
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The charming city on the Mississippi River was established in the early 1700’s, making it one of the oldest European settlements in the area. Because of its location, Natchez attracted a great deal of wealthy farmers during the 19th century and, in turn, resulted in a plethora of mansions being constructed. Today, many of these historical Natchez homes can be toured, guaranteeing a trip straight to the past.
Known as the birthplace of the Blues, Clarksdale is immersed in a rich musical history. The city has been the site of countless Blues festivals as well as home to several well-known musicians. From the famous Delta Blues Museum to the Historic Blues District to the iconic "Crossroads," Clarksdale’s musical past is just waiting to be explored. And for those really wanting to experience Delta life of the past, the Shack Up Inn is a must-visit. The inn offers visitors the chance to stay in original sharecropper shacks complete with tours of the historic Hopson Plantation.
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Okay, so this isn’t technically a town per se, but it is definitely worth mentioning. In order to preserve small town life, the Mississippi Agriculture & Forestry Museum has developed Small Town, Mississippi. The "town" is actually an extension of a museum, but is a life-size replica of a quintessential 1920’s southern town. Featuring several shops, a doctor’s office, general store, numerous mills, and much more, Small Town is the perfect way to experience life of yesteryear.
On or off the list, what are your favorite historic Mississippi towns? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.
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