Sat on the banks of the Mississippi River, Natchez is a historic town in southwestern Mississippi close to the border with Arkansas that was first settled at the beginning of the 18th century, which makes it a century older than the state capital, Jackson. Today the town hosts some of the best-preserved antebellum homes in the whole of America, making it a major draw for tourists. Perched on a high mound, the town offers great views of the mighty Mississippi.
Given its numerous historic buildings from its days as a wealthy city even before the American Civil War, Natchez has been designated a National Historic Landmark. Visitors can take tours of the antebellum public buildings and houses here and the town even holds an annual Confederate Pageant in the spring, a sign of how proud the town is of its southern heritage.
Natchez-under-the-Hill is located right by the Mississippi River below the main area of the town, an old area that used to be home to numerous saloons. Although most of the buildings have gone, there is still an old drinking hole and a casino here to explore.
Highlights
Melrose Estate: housed within the Natchez National Historic Park area, this old Greek revival building is in fabulous condition with impressive pillars and a large front lawn.
Natchez-under-the-Hill: a slice of the old, rough-and-ready Natchez that has seen better days but still has a few venues worthy of exploration.
Emerald Mound: one of the biggest Indian burial mounds in America, this mound was built by local Natchez Indians.
Natchez Trace Parkway: a historical trail taking in local scenery and history all the way to Nashville, the country music capital of the world, in Tennessee.