Take the Drive to This Remote Mississippi Spot (The Views Are So Worth It)

One of the best things about driving through Mississippi is that you’re never short on scenic views. There’s nothing like taking some of our beautiful back roads, with the windows rolled down and the tunes turned up. If you ask me, it’s an excellent way to discover the hidden gems that really make the Magnolia State shine. 

Whether it's the charming shops at Shady Acres Village or the Kermit the Frog Museum (you didn’t know you needed in your life), these unique treasures are what I love the most about our great state. The next time you catch yourself with an urge to jump in the car and chase the sun, head to Port Gibson, a remote destination in Mississippi. I promise you, the drive to this hidden gem town in Mississippi is worth the final view. 

Tucked away in Claiborne County, Port Gibson is a tiny little town that’s home to fewer than 1,200 residents. As the third-oldest European-American settlement in Mississippi, you can bet that this sleepy little town has a big history. One of my favorite fun facts about Port Gibson is that it was home to the Port Gibson Female College. The college was founded in 1843, and even though it closed in 1908, it played a role in women’s education at a time when women weren’t seen as equals. Most of the buildings are long gone, but City Hall actually resides in one of the original buildings!

Since Port Gibson sits on the shores of the Mighty Mississippi, it was the site of several clashes during the Civil War, including the Battle of Port Gibson in 1863. Because the town was caught in the crosshairs of the war, you would think most of the original buildings would have suffered a fiery fate that was all too common back then. Shockingly, many of Port Gibson’s buildings were spared. Union General Ulysses S. Grant proclaimed the city “too beautiful to burn.”

After the war, Port Gibson established itself as a center of trade and eventually established the first cottonseed oil plants in the United States in 1882. Part of the charm of the town is the many historical sites that tell the tale of a time long gone. If you're a history buff, you should carve out some time to explore the landmarks in the community.

On the artistic side of things, Port Gibson was home to one of the largest all-black vaudeville shows in the southern states. The Rabbit’s Foot Company was opened in 1900 and served as a theater space for talented singers, musicians, comedians, and entertainers. A Mississippi Blues Trail marker was installed in the town to honor the theater company’s contribution to Mississippi’s blues history. 

While there are many reasons to visit Port Gibson, the Windsor Ruins are at the top of the list. As the most famous landmark in town, you'll be blown away by the vastness of this abandoned structure. Only 23 columns remain of what was once the largest antebellum Greek Revival mansion—and they’re worth the drive to this remote destination in Mississippi. Standing at the site, one can only imagine how the mansion towered over everything in the area from 1861 to 1890. Feel free to explore this abandoned site in Mississippi, which features interpretive signs with more information about this massive estate.

In addition to being one of the largest homes in Mississippi, the mansion served as a hospital and observation station by Union troops during the Civil War. Even though the mansion miraculously survived the Civil War (most plantations were burned down), Windsor Mansion stood tall. Unfortunately, it wasn’t until a worker carelessly dropped a cigarette (or cigar) on a pile of sawdust that it went up in flames. 

On a drive around Port Gibson, you'll soon realize it's a history lover’s paradise. You could easily spend the whole day taking in the historic windshield views and popping out to get a closer look at everything. 

If you’ve ever visited Port Gibson, share your experience with us on our nomination page. And while you're there, tell us about your favorite attraction in this historic town in Mississippi.

Read on to check out some of our favorite road trip essentials to make your drive a breeze. Also, when you're feeling inspired, use Only In Your State’s itinerary planner to plan your own trip to discover more hidden gem destinations in Mississippi worth visiting.