This Quiet Mississippi Town Is An Underrated Gem For 2026

Many people who choose to vacation in Mississippi often flock to the state’s Gulf Coast to soak up the sun and relax by the seaside in Bay St. Louis, whereas others might venture further inland to explore the Civil War History in Vicksburg. Port Gibson, Mississippi’s third-oldest town, is a lesser-known gem waiting to be explored alongside these destinations in 2026. Port Gibson’s streets are lined with live oak trees and preserved antebellum buildings, which were spared destruction during the Civil War because General Ulysses S. Grant thought it was "too beautiful to burn.” Let us have a closer look at this underrated Mississippi gem of a town.

Windsor Ruins

The remains of what was formerly one of the largest private residences in Mississippi before the Civil War are located ten miles southwest of Port Gibson. In the mid-1800s, a Greek-revival style mansion containing 25 rooms spread across four stories was constructed on a 2,600-acre plantation that overlooked the Mississippi River. However, during a fire in 1890, the mansion was destroyed, and all that remains on the site today are the Windsor Ruins. 23 full-sized columns and five partial columns are viewable from behind a safety barrier. The full-sized columns stand at 45-feet tall, allowing visitors to imagine the sheer size of the mansion, and are a great photo opportunity. While it is accessible year-round, there are no visitor amenities, and during the winter months, the roads leading to the Windsor Ruins may be impassable due to flooding.

Grand Gulf Military Park

Grand Gulf Military Park is a 450-acre landmark that is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is eight miles northwest of Port Gibson. The site has many facilities, including a museum, cemetery, two forts, an observation tower, campgrounds, picnic areas, hiking trails, and several restored historic buildings.

The museum is the best place to begin exploring the site, as it allows visitors to view early photographs, maps, scale replica models, and artifacts found in the area in relation to the early days of Grand Gulf, as well as items from WWI, WWII, and the Civil War. Tour the Grand Gulf Cemetery, spanning four acres and containing 200 graves,160 tombstones, 11 family plots, and several large monuments. The cemetery is the burial site of residents of the old town of Grand Gulf as well as soldiers who died in battle. Up the hill from the cemetery stands a 75-foot-high observation tower that provides those who climb it with panoramic views of the surrounding area, including the Mississippi River.

A.K. Shaifer House

The A.K. Shaifer House is a historic early 19th-century home and has received acclaim due to its significance as the site of the first shot fired during the Battle of Port Gibson in the spring of 1863. The house is located four miles west of Port Gibson and has a parking area to the left of the house. Although the road leading to the house is sometimes treacherous due to uneven ground, deep gullies, and muddy conditions, those who make the journey can get up close to the restored and preserved house, view a gallery of photos of veterans who frequented the site, and learn more about the site from the various interpretive signs.

Taste of Port Gibson Festival

Port Gibson hosts a community celebration called the Taste of Port Gibson Festival, typically held in the spring at The Ark, a popular event venue in town. This day-long festival features local food vendors, culinary tastings, live music, and entertainment, giving visitors a chance to sample regional dishes, enjoy performances, and mingle with residents and visitors alike. The event draws both families and food lovers together to enjoy the local culture, music, and cuisine in an outdoor festival atmosphere that showcases Port Gibson’s community spirit and Southern hospitality.

Nearby Towns

Port Gibson is located within driving distance of other notable and historic Mississippi towns. Vicksburg is another key site of Civil War activity and is conveniently located only a 40-minute drive away from Port Gibson. Vicksburg is a perfect blend of southern culture, natural scenery, and historical relevance. It is home to what might be Mississippi’s most celebrated historical site, Vicksburg National Military Park. The 1,800-acre park contains 1,400 monuments, historic buildings, and preserved battlefields for visitors to explore.

Natchez, the oldest continuously inhabited settlement on the Mississippi River, is located just a 50-minute drive from Port Gibson. Despite how old it is, Natchez is a vibrant and walkable town and is home to over 1,000 buildings that are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The most unique of these buildings is Longwood, the largest octagonal house in the United States. This antebellum mansion’s interior was unfinished due to tensions from the Civil War; however, it is still open to the public for guided tours seven days a week.

Mississippi's Hidden Gem

One of the best things about Port Gibson is how accessible its rich and expansive history is. You can make the trip to historical sites, which you will have mostly to yourself, and then be able to wander around town viewing old antebellum homes. So, avoid the crowds of larger towns close to the Mississippi River, like Natchez and Vicksburg, and retreat to the quiet, oak-lined streets of Port Gibson. This quiet Mississippi town is an underrated gem for 2026 that cannot be missed.