6 Classic Americana Downtowns In Mississippi
Many things come to mind when imagining the classic American setting, and these six Mississippi towns check all the boxes. Old-school candy shops and drugstores on brick-lined streets that showcase 19th-century architecture seem to transport people back in time. Vicksburg is virtually unparalleled for Civil War history, much of it preserved, while Ocean Springs is noteworthy for its artsy atmosphere. Natchez is celebrated as the oldest city in Mississippi, and downtown looks much as it did more than a hundred years ago. Roadside diners and less-developed areas create a unique intersection of beauty and commerce, making these towns top destinations in the state. Here are a half-dozen classic American downtowns in Mississippi, offering nostalgia and Southern hospitality.
Natchez
As the oldest European settlement in Mississippi, Natchez is a citadel of old-world history, culture, and the arts, especially in its downtown district. The area is distinguished by its sophisticated architectural styles, seen in Choctaw Hall and Beulah Baptist Church. An excellent way to become familiar with historic downtown is to take the Downtown Natchez Walking Tour, which starts at Bluff Park and winds through the heritage sites.
After a day in Natchez, it is easy to see why the Mississippi landscape so inspired renowned artists like John James Audubon. ArtsNatchez, Wyatt Waters Gallery, and other local galleries translate this beauty onto canvas, showcasing the community's creative side. Dining and conversation are staples of Southern life, and Biscuit and Blues embraces this spirit in downtown Natchez. Poboys, grits, and oysters are available in this three-storey Federalist-style building, offering a tasteful way to experience the American spirit.
Vicksburg
Historic Vicksburg still resonates with its antebellum architecture, Civil War history, and downtown lined with classic 19th-century buildings and brick-paved streets. A prominent landmark is the Marcus Furniture building, with its distinctive white square signage at the front, offering a throwback aesthetic for a company that has been in business for over 125 years. Another vision of yesterday is the Blues Trail, with six markers in the area tracing the genre's roots in the Mississippi Delta, particularly in Vicksburg.
One marker highlights the history of The Blue Room, one of the hottest clubs of the 1940s that also included a ballroom, restaurant, and casino. Another pays homage to Route 61, popularized in the modern era by Bob Dylan, and both emphasize another era of American history in Vicksburg, when musicians traveled to play in iconic clubs from New Orleans to Minnesota. The Catfish Row Museum features rotating exhibits and is located in the Christian and Brough Building on Washington Street, across from the Lower Mississippi River Museum, adding to the city's long list of historic attractions.
Ocean Springs
Ocean Springs has evolved into an artistic powerhouse in the South, primarily due to the efforts of long-time resident Walter Anderson. The semi-reclusive philosopher and artist loved to create bright Gulf scenes on canvas, which are on display at the Walter Anderson Museum of Art, a landmark in the small city. The annual Peter Anderson Arts & Crafts Festival is hosted by Walter's son, who continues his father's work, a significant part of the artistic boom in recent decades.
The Candy Cottage is another classic Ocean Springs institution, famous for its pecan logs and old-fashioned candy bins. Like the Andersons, the proprietors are long-term residents and exude the best characteristics of this charming town. The Inn at Ocean Springs features luxurious guestrooms in a historic home, within walking distance of other notable venues and buildings.
Corinth
Downtown Corinth's historic district played a pivotal role in the Civil War, along with the nearby Battle of Shiloh. The shared history can be explored at sites including the Corinth Contraband Camp and Shiloh National Military Park. It also has deep railroad ties, visible at the Crossroads Museum and Historic Corinth Depot, and on the Corinth Historic Driving Tour.
In beloved old-school eateries like the White Trolley Café or Borroum’s Drug Store & Soda Fountain, a particular local flavor that has earned quite a following, primarily for their rendition of the slugburger, is found throughout North Mississippi, Tennessee, and Alabama. Don't let the name fool you: the regional staple features a fried patty of meat and filler, such as potato flakes, soybeans, or flour, adding a tasty layer of Americana to its history.
Starkville
Downtown Starkville is a unique amalgamation of small-town life, beautiful brick storefronts, and fun events to tie it all together. It is also the birthplace of several Blues musicians and part of the Mississippi Blues Trail. Reading the markers throughout town highlights this fascinating piece of history that has become part of America's lexicon. Noteworthy markers include the Oktibbeha County Blues marker, denoting the pivotal artists and songs from this region. The markers provide a fun way to experience the small town's many musicians, including Big Joe Williams, who has been covered by Bob Dylan.
Nearby is the renowned Cotton District, adjacent to the Mississippi State University campus, which was once home to a major cotton mill. The campus is a focal point of Starkville, especially at Davis Wade Stadium when locals cheer on their beloved Bulldogs in the fall. Tours are available for visitors, including at the Charles H. Templeton Sr. Music Museum, which features exhibits of musical instruments, sheet music, and recordings over a 40-year period. Other significant downtown sites include the 1925 Hotel Chester in the Old Main District and the 1897 Overstreet School. The school is the focal point of the Overstreet Historic District, another landmark in a town defined by these preserved heritage areas.
Bay St. Louis
Old Town in Bay St. Louis has a friendly atmosphere and several buildings on the National Register of Historic Places, offering a unique and engaging blend of its past and present. Architectural styles range from late 19th- and early 20th-century Revivals to late 19th- and early 20th-century American Movements, each a tangible piece of the city's heritage. It also includes four historic cemeteries, including Cedar Rest Cemetery and Brothers of the Sacred Heart Cemetery. Walking tours of the cemeteries should include a visit to the historic L&N Depot, highlighting the region's railroad heritage. It is also home to the Mardi Gras Museum, another definitive aspect of this small town.
Other historical styles include the 1895 Main Street United Methodist Church, with a Carpenter Gothic style, and the A&G Theater. The 1927 theater is next door to the Sea Coast Echo Building, circa 1903. These structures, along with many others, share a sad history of being damaged or washed away by Hurricane Katrina. Galleries and others have taken their place while honoring their architectural and cultural roots.
Classic Americana Downtowns In Mississippi
From historic streets in Mississippi's oldest city to the artistic renaissance of Ocean Springs, these six classic Americana Downtowns offer nostalgia and a slower pace of life. Vicksburg is famous for its Civil War history, but its antebellum architecture and hospitality show a different side of the historic town. Small hamlets in the Magnolia State have rich heritage and culture, reflected in places like the Walter Anderson Museum of Art, which celebrates locals who have had an indelible impact on the region.
Many of these towns were settled just before the outbreak of the Civil War, and the scars left behind changed their aesthetics, primarily at Corinth and Vicksburg. The battles waged here created a clear divide between pre- and post-war structures, further complicating each small town. Main Street America is alive and well in Mississippi, and these half dozen cities offer a window into simpler times, filled with hospitable smiles and a strong sense of community.
