5 of the Oldest Incorporated Towns on the Gulf Coast

History, preserved architecture, and natural scenery permeate the Gulf Coast, and these are some of the oldest incorporated towns along this sandy stretch. Their storied history blends with the local scene for a distinctive stay that should top everyone's travel calendar. Towns like Pensacola have seen governance by multiple colonial governments over the centuries, and their architecture reflects this through distinct styles across periods, enhancing their appeal.

Native American tribes, the English, the French, and the Spanish have all had an indelible impact on this region, which is still evident in modern communities. Local cuisine, festivals, and historic sites collectively reflect the city's heritage, especially in towns like Ocean Springs, which were settled by the French in the late 17th century. The oldest incorporated towns along the Gulf Coast each have a unique story to tell, positioning them as top destinations for the historically-minded traveler.

Biloxi, Mississippi

Today, Biloxi is known for its casinos and booming nightlife, but it is also one of the oldest incorporated towns on the Gulf Coast. Its modern history began in 1699 when it became the first capital of French Louisiana, although it was inhabited by Native Americans as early as 8,000 B.C. It was part of the short-lived Republic of West Florida in 1810, was traded to the United States as part of the Mississippi Territory in 1811, and finally incorporated as a city in 1838.

The Biloxi Lighthouse was completed in 1848 and now serves as a symbol of the coastal town. Soon after, the Magnolia Hotel, the American Hotel, and the Biloxi House were erected to host the many visitors who would come to this shore for vacation. The Magnolia Hotel is now the oldest operating hotel on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. This beautiful town is full of historic sites tied back to its long history.

Ocean Springs, Mississippi

French explorer Pierre Le Moyne D'Iberville landed on the shores of what is now Ocean Springs in 1699 as Fort Maurepas. It was incorporated as a city in 1892 with 1,800 acres and expanded to 7,168 acres in 1996. Its economic sources were fishing and timber. Shrimp and fish are still harvested offshore, and visitors should make sure to enjoy a seafood dinner at local joints like the Crawfish House.

Ocean Springs' 20th-century history centers on the Anderson family, longtime residents who founded the Walter Anderson Museum of Art, which showcases the works of their patriarch. Other places to examine the coastal history of this small village are the Ocean Springs Museum of History and the O'Keefe Cultural Center. Each gallery highlights a specific part of the cultural tapestry that has made Ocean Springs a melting pot of ideas and cultures.

Apalachicola, Florida

Find that charming Old Florida mystique around in the town squares and fishing docks of its most historic towns, like Apalachicola. Europeans first explored Franklin County in the early 1500s, and the first known European settlement in the region was a fort at the mouth of the Apalachicola River. The town was incorporated in 1827 as West Point, but the name was changed a few years later to Apalachicola.

Almost every square inch of the village is considered historic, as the original six town squares (City, Chapman, Gorrie, Franklin, Madison, and Washington) are still prominent. Touring these squares is a portal to the past with many 19th-century homes and commercial structures, including the 1838 Trinity Episcopal Church. Stroll through history at the antebellum Orman House Historic State Park, John Gorrie Museum State Park, honoring the inventor of mechanical refrigeration, or take haunted tours through Chestnut Street Cemetery.

Pensacola, Florida

Pensacola is the site of the nation's first settlement, established by Tristán de Luna in 1559 on behalf of Spain. Native Americans inhabited the territory before Columbus, and it is known as "The City of Five Flags" due to the various governing authorities that have ruled it since then. Pensacola was incorporated in 1822, making it one of Florida's first incorporated municipalities and a city of firsts.

It is always summer in this Florida town, so any time of year is a good time to explore its many historic sites, including Fort Pickens, which protected the coastal establishment in the 19th century. Pensacola Lighthouse is another historic structure, and visitors may climb the 177 steps for panoramic views and a taste of the region's maritime heritage. Plaza de Luna is a tranquil park setting for hot summer days, featuring a monument to the first European to stake a claim in Pensacola. Finally, learn more about the history of the Florida Panhandle at the Pensacola Museum of History, housed in a beautiful mission-style building.

Fairhope, Alabama

Fairhope was established as a utopian single tax colony in 1894 by a group of 28 followers of economist Henry George. It officially became a city in 1908 and, in the 1930s, assumed caretaker responsibility for the beachfront park, which would become one of its greatest assets. Henry George Park, Knoll Park, and the Fairhope Municipal Pier were all donated by the tax colony and are landmarks today.

The Marietta Johnson Museum explores the history of the Fairhope Single Tax Colony to deepen understanding of this unique coastal city. Similarly, the Fairhope Museum of History, housed in the 1928 City Hall, shows exhibits of the town's founders and traces the city's artistic roots. The creative side of the community is evident in the French Quarter, a historic district in downtown, characterized by old Southern architecture and hospitality.

The Gulf Coast attracts many tourists and travelers to its white-sand beaches and azure waters, and the longevity of these five towns proves the allure is here to stay. Most of the oldest cities were inhabited by Indigenous peoples thousands of years before Europeans walked their shores, and cultural traces of each group can still be seen and felt today.

Studying this history first-hand is just one aspect that makes each town distinctive. Viewing modern conveniences such as Biloxi's casinos through a historical lens highlights the city's evolution in a tangible, unforgettable way. Similarly, visiting a 16th-century Spanish colony in a present-day Spring Break destination is an unforgettable way to etch Pensacola in your memory. Examining the history and heritage of the oldest incorporated towns along the Gulf Coast is akin to witnessing the birth of Southern culture and adds value to any holiday.