The notion of love at first sight might seem ridiculous. However, one visit to Port Gibson, and we can practically guarantee that you’ll be a believer! The small town has been impressing people for centuries. In fact, it’s Port Gibson’s beauty that saved it from destruction during the Civil War. Today, the town is like a time capsule, boasting dozens of historic buildings.
Nestled along the Natchez Trace Parkway, Port Gibson is a small town of about 1,500.
Elisa.rolle/Wikimedia
Established in 1803, it’s the state’s third-oldest settlement.
Internet Archive Book Images/Wikimedia
Its age isn’t its only distinguishing feature, though.
Jimmy Emerson, DVM/Flickr During the Civil War, Ulysses S. Grant dubbed Port Gibson “too beautiful to burn.”
Practically unscathed during the war, the Port Gibson of today boasts an impressive collection of historic architecture.
Elisa.rolle/Wikimedia There are more than 40 sites listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Historic homes, churches, and cemeteries – many of which date back to the early 1800s – are scattered throughout Port Gibson, bringing the small town’s storied past to life.
Natchez Trace Travel/Facebook
Walking tours are a popular activity in Port Gibson and provide visitors the chance to experience Port Gibson of yesteryear.
isabellabedandbreakfast.com You can do more than admire the historic buildings from afar, though. You can sleep in them, too, since a few have been transformed into B&Bs.
Port Gibson is even home to one of the most photographed historic sites in Mississippi, the Windsor Ruins.
Wayne Hsieh/Flickr Sought out by locals and tourists alike, the site contains the remnants of the largest Greek Revival antebellum mansion ever built in the area.
Grand Gulf Military Park is another popular site in Port Gibson.
Wayne Hsieh/Flickr
The perfect place to experience Port Gibson’s famous beauty, along with its lively heritage, the 450-acre park is brimming with typical park amenities as well as historic exhibits.
Jason Edwards/Google
There are some great points of interest right outside of Port Gibson too. For instance, in the neighboring town of Lorman, you’ll find the Old Country Store, which is home to the state’s best fried chicken.
Picture Mississippi - photography by Kim Hunt, Contributed Photo
To learn more about this beautiful little town, check out the Port Gibson website.
Elisa.rolle/Wikimedia
Internet Archive Book Images/Wikimedia
Jimmy Emerson, DVM/Flickr
During the Civil War, Ulysses S. Grant dubbed Port Gibson “too beautiful to burn.”
There are more than 40 sites listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Natchez Trace Travel/Facebook
isabellabedandbreakfast.com
You can do more than admire the historic buildings from afar, though. You can sleep in them, too, since a few have been transformed into B&Bs.
Wayne Hsieh/Flickr
Sought out by locals and tourists alike, the site contains the remnants of the largest Greek Revival antebellum mansion ever built in the area.
Jason Edwards/Google
Picture Mississippi - photography by Kim Hunt, Contributed Photo
There seems to be no shortage of charming small towns in Mississippi. When you’re looking for another to visit, check out this small town in Mississippi with peak Southern vibes.
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Address: Port Gibson, MS 39150, USA
